There’s no doubt about it — Wolves have a real talent on their hands in Matheus Cunha — their problem will be keeping hold of him though.
Vitor Pereira has inherited a Wolves first team that, on paper, is much better than their league position suggests.
Where Wolves spend next season will be determined by the decisions they make in the January transfer window. Matheus Cunha is wanted by at least six Premier League clubs and could leave Molineux before Deadline Day.
Pereira recently reiterated that Cunha is not for sale, but judging by the forward’s stats, it’s no wonder Arsenal are among his suitors.
Matheus Cunha outperforming Arsenal star
Arsenal lacks firepower after Gabriel Jesus recently suffered a season-ending ACL injury and have included Cunha on their shortlist as a result.
Cunha’s contributions for Wolves this season have so far kept them out of the relegation zone. Although the margins at the bottom of the table are fine, Cunha’s 10 league goals have proven to be the difference as the team remains separated from Ipswich only by goals scored.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 16 |  EvertonEverton | 21 | 4 | 8 | 9 | 18 | 28 | -10 | 20 |
| 17 |  WolvesWolves | 22 | 4 | 4 | 14 | 32 | 51 | -19 | 16 |
| 18 |  IpswichIpswich | 22 | 3 | 7 | 12 | 20 | 43 | -23 | 16 |
With the South American’s importance evident, it’s understandable why fans don’t want to see him leave the Midlands.
However, when comparing how Cunha stacks up against Gabriel Martinelli, it’s also clear to see why Arteta is so keen on bringing the 25-year-old to the Emirates.
Despite playing a similar role, but for a team 14 places lower in the table, Cunha is outperforming Martinelli across the board.
Cunha’s attacking stats see him produce more key passes, complete more dribbles and forward carries, as well as provide more assists. Martinelli’s league tally of goals this season is also four shy of Wolves’ number 10.
Bittersweet for Wolves
Cunha’s numbers are indeed very impressive. Keeping hold of him beyond the winter window is certain to decide Wolves’ fate in May.
However, regardless of what happens in this window, with stats like these, fans will know it is only a matter of time before a big club takes him. Although irreplaceable at the mid-season point, Cunha, like every player, has their price.
And although Fosun will sell for the right fee, their biggest challenge now is keeping the fans on side and holding out until the summer when they’ll be expected to extract maximum value for one of the side’s brightest-ever talents.