Mikel Arteta has revealed that Arsenal will dive into the January transfer market if “something incredible” becomes available.
Arsenal will be without star winger Bukayo Saka for “more than two months” after he underwent surgery for a torn hamstring and Wolves star Matheus Cunha has emerged as a potential option for the Gunners.
The versatile forward has scored 10 goals in 19 Premier League games so far this season, playing both out wide and through the middle. And when asked about the prospect of bringing in reinforcements following Saka's injury, Arteta admitted Arsenal are “ready” to act.
“Well, my focus right now is honestly on the resources we have within the squad to be as competitive as possible,” he said. “We have a lot of options to do that. And if there is something unbelievable [becomes] available and if the club is willing to do so, we will have to consider it.”
Arsenal have been given a boost as Cunha avoided a lengthy ban after appearing to attack an Ipswich staffer following Wolves' 2-1 win over Kieran McKenna's side last month. Cunha has been fined £80,000 and suspended for two matches as a result of his actions.
In fact, the Brazilian will only miss one league match, a match against Nottingham Forest, as his suspension also applies to Wolves' FA Cup tie against Bristol City. Had Cunha been given a long-term ban, it might have ruined his chances of making a big move in January.
However, Mirror Football understands that Wolves do not want to sell the 25-year-old mid-season and will only accept a big-money offer for Cunha. Wolves are currently just one point above the relegation zone and new boss Vitor Pereira is convinced they “need” him if they are to avoid the drop.
“He is a special player,” Pereira told Amazon Prime after Wolves defeated Manchester United on Boxing Day. “He can do things that can make a difference in small details. Matheus Cunha, in my opinion, is a player who can achieve high standards in this competition.”
When asked if Cunha might leave the club, Pereira added: “I hope not, I hope not because we need him. He came here with a lot of energy. He told us it's been eighteen years dream is to come here and manage the club.” a Premier League team.
“You see the impact, you see the energy, how he can teach us things on the field. I think he can help everyone show what we can do.”
Comments