Matheus Cunha could still join Arsenal in transfer switch but under one specific condition

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Arsenal’s pursuit of a forward addition is beginning to hot up, as Mikel Arteta urgently looks to bolster his attacking options.

The Gunners have struggled offensively at times this season, scoring eight goals fewer than Premier League leaders Liverpool, and are subsequently in the market for reinforcements.

Whether or not they’re able to secure a signing this month remains to be seen, but it’s clear that a striker and perhaps a wide man are both on the North London club’s agenda.

Arsenal have identified Wolves’ Matheus Cunha as a target, with Arteta understood to be a huge admirer of the Brazilian.

However, Cunha is reportedly set to agree a new contract with Wolves, appearing to scupper Arsenal’s ability to move for him this winter.

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Arsenal could sign Matheus Cunha if Wolves are relegated

A report from GiveMeSport suggests that Cunha has verbally agreed to sign a new contract at Wolves, which will keep him at Molineux until 2029.

This news indicates that Arsenal’s hopes of landing the prolific number nine in January are slim, although a condition included in the contract means that a future deal could still very much be on the cards.

It’s understood that the prospective new deal will include a release clause worth in the region of £45million, which will become active in the event that Wolves are relegated from the top flight.

The West Midlanders currently sit 17th in the Premier League, level on points with 18th-placed Ipswich Town.

Thus, the chances of Wolves suffering relegation and Cunha’s modest release clause coming into play are certainly high.

Nico Williams is ‘open to a Premier League move’, and Arsenal could instead target the Spanish winger this winter, and leave Cunha and the striker position as a summer acquisition.

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Matheus Cunha’s statistics suggest he’d be an upgrade on Kai Havertz

While Kai Havertz has enjoyed a relatively productive season thus far, finding the back of the net 12 times in all competitions, there is a consensus that Arsenal could upgrade up front, or at least provide the German with more adequate cover and competition.

Cunha fits the bill, having thrived in the Premier League for some time now.

The 25-year-old scored 12 goals and provided seven assists in 29 Premier League starts last season, and has already contributed to 14 league goals this campaign, in spite of Wolves’ troubles.

Cunha’s ability to carry the ball and successfully take players on could provide Arsenal’s often stale attack with an added layer of firepower, and certainly is something that Havertz isn’t able to offer.

If the Brazil international is available for just £45 million in the summer, Arsenal will surely seriously consider making the plunge.