He helped Wolves sign Matheus Cunha, now he could be about to pull the rug from beneath Vitor Pereira

Wolves struck gold by signing Matheus Cunha in December 2022, welcoming the striker on an initial loan from Atletico Madrid.

Two years after his arrival, it’s difficult to believe that Cunha touched down at Molineux as a rather goal-shy forward. 

Everything changed for the Brazilian when Gary O’Neil understood how to best utilise the 25-year-old, who has since scored 29 goals for Wolves. 

Though those in the West Midlands are relishing watching Cunha thrive on the pitch, most are aware that the good times may not last, with the player linked to a summer transfer. 

• READ MORE: What clubs are thinking about Matheus Cunha could be a problem for Wolves ahead of summer transfer window

Arsenal’s sporting director search is something for Wolves to watch 

Wolves haven’t looked back since signing the Brazilian and did all they could in January to keep the versatile forward on their books.

Cunha’s new contract includes a release clause, which is crucial ahead of the summer transfer window, given the interest the player has generated of late. 

Arsenal are one club that admire Cunha and as that the Gunners are on the prowl for a goalscorer, the Wolves man could be Mikel Arteta’s perfect signing. 

It would be painful for Vitor Pereira to see Cunha move on to another Premier League club but, the nightmare could become a reality, especially when considering what is happening at Arsenal right now. 

The North Londoners are in advanced talks with Andrea Berta to become their new sporting director, which should trigger alarm bells at Molineux.

This is because Berta has been involved in Cunha’s career quite remarkably, first signing the attacker from Hertha Berlin and then, selling him to Wolves.

Atletico Madrid’s former sporting director knows the player well and given his history with Cunha before, could be inclined to explore the Brazilian’s options in the summer.

If Berta does take the reins at the Emirates, it will be fascinating, and rather daunting, to see if the Italian is once again charmed by the idea of influencing Cunha’s career.

Matheus Cunha’s transfer history

Regardless of how the season ends for Wolves, it looks likely that their star player will leave due to the interest in his £62.5m release clause.

The Old Gold might regret Cunha’s release clause fee, as the club arguably could’ve demanded much more from the forward, whose transfer value has risen steadily over the years. 

Since making the move to Europe from Brazil in 2017, the 25-year-old has represented clubs in Germany, Spain and England.

The highest fee paid for Cunha in his career was the player’s move from Atletico to Wolves in the winter market of 2022/23.

Cunha’s next move will undoubtedly represent the most valuable of his career so far, and could Berta be involved once again?