Mikel Arteta may block Arsenal from completing transfer for ‘incredible’ striker for one reason

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Arsenal are already making transfer plans ahead of the summer window.

The Gunners are 13 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, and thus, attentions at the Emirates have turned towards how the club can improve Mikel Arteta’s squad for next season.

A striker is the primary position that needs addressing, with a number of names already being linked with a move to North London.

Benjamin Sesko is a top target for Arsenal, while Alexander Isak is Arteta’s dream signing.

With the sporting director job still vacant at London Colney, the Spaniard is likely to play a significant role in determining which players the club ultimately pursue.

• READ MORE: Arsenal keen on Champions League winner with ‘immense potential’ as Mikel Arteta looks ahead to summer transfer plans

Mikel Arteta has concerns over Arsenal transfer target Matheus Cunha

It’s well documented that Matheus Cunha is of interest to Arsenal, with the Gunners identifying the Wolves star as a top-level forward who could add significant value to Arteta’s ensemble.

Cunha has a £62 million release clause, making him an attainable target and a deal that wouldn’t require substantial effort to pull off.

According to talkSPORT, Arsenal are expected to ‘make a strong play’ for the Brazilian, described as ‘incredible’ by journalist Nathan Judah, in the summer window.

However, the outlet indicate that Arteta has concerns about the player’s character, with these reservations sparked by the 25-year-old’s poor disciplinary record.

Cunha was given his marching orders on Saturday afternoon during Wolves’ FA Cup fifth round defeat to Bournemouth, for lashing out at Cherries left-back Milos Kerkez.

This wasn’t the first time the former Atletico Madrid man has been punished for failing to control his temper, as he was given a two-match ban for elbowing a member of Ipswich’s backroom staff back back in December.

Arteta famously stopped Arsenal from signing Ivan Toney because he held concerns about the ex-Brentford man’s personality.

The tactician has spent a long time attempting to cultivate a professional environment full of like-minded characters, and it’s possible that Cunha would disrupt this.

If Arteta doesn’t want the East Midlands’ club’s talisman, then it’s likely the transfer won’t come to fruition.

Mikel Arteta should still sign Matheus Cunha for Arsenal

While Cunha has demonstrated a tendency to lose his temper this season, this hasn’t necessarily been a long-standing concern around the player.

It’s possible that the emotion of being involved in a relegation battle and being frustrated by his team’s fortunes have exacerbated the aggressiveness of his actions.

In a more stable environment when the results are going Cunha’s way, Arteta can tame the player and make sure he’s aligned with the club’s culture.

As shown by the data above, it’s worth Arteta attempting to hone Cunha’s aggression.

The Brazil international is a real goal threat, with his exceptional ball striking from distance and willingness to shoot something Arsenal miss dearly.

Also contributing two successful dribbles per 90 minutes, Cunha would provide the Gunners with some additional chaos in the final third, another thing they currently lack with their overly conservative possession-based approach.