Arsenal have held initial discussions over signing a “special” player for Mikel Arteta, with new sporting director Andrea Berta looking to back him in the transfer market this summer.
Arsenal set to sign new forwards before next season
One of the key items on their transfer agenda is the signing of a forward, both out wide and further up front.
Top target: Arsenal and Berta in talks to seal early deal for £60m striker
The Gunners have a new top target at striker, and negotiations are ongoing to convince him to move to the Emirates Stadium.
1 ByDominic LundApr 22, 2025
Arteta has had to cope with fewer options than he’d ideally like throughout 2024/2025, with star winger Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli both previously sidelined for extended periods.
Crystal Palace (home)
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Bournemouth (home)
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Liverpool (away)
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Newcastle United (home)
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Southampton (away)
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Strikers Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz are also unavailable after suffering long-term injuries, and while the latter could return to action earlier than initially expected, some reports have suggested that Jesus could be out until 2026, as he continues his recovery from an ACL rupture.
Mikel Merino has been utilised as an emergency striker while Jesus and Havertz remain sidelined, with the Spaniard doing pretty well in his unlikely new role. However, Merino is hardly a long-term solution, so Berta is reportedly keen to reinforce Arteta’s attacking areas.
As per GiveMeSport and other media sources, Arsenal want to sign a new left-winger and striker this summer, not to mention a potential alternative to Saka on the right-hand side.
That being said, Arsenal are also keen to bring in a new full-back and midfielders, to cover for the looming departures of Thomas Partey and Jorginho on free transfers, so Berta must tread carefully with their budget.
This is where versatile Wolves star Matheus Cunha could be a very useful signing, given the Brazilian can operate in both wide areas and up front as a centre-forward.
His contract also contains a £62.5 million release clause, with Cunha recently admitting that he’d like to take the next step in his career.
Arsenal hold "exploratory" talks over signing Matheus Cunha
Arsenal have been linked with a move for Cunha, but they’re not the only ones, as Man United and Aston Villa are also believed to be among the clubs who are very keen.
Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol, writing a detailed piece on his potential next landing spot, writes that Arsenal have held “exploratory” talks over signing Cunha ahead of the summer, alongside United and Villa, with Saudi clubs also lurking in the background and prepared to trigger his exit clause.
The Brazil international, who signed for just £34 million from Atlético Madrid, is said to be a fan of United, so Arsenal could have some convincing to do as he ponders a switch to Old Trafford.
Cunha has bagged a brilliant 16 goals and four assists in all competitions for Vitor Pereira’s side this term, with Wolves’ manager recently branding him a “special” player.
“He is a special player. He can do things that can make the difference in small details,” Pereira said of Cunha.
“Matheus Cunha is a player, in my opinion, who can reach high standards in this league. I hope not [elsewhere] because we need him.”