Matheus Cunha sent a clear message to his potential suitors, including Arsenal, after starring in Wolves' 2-0 win over Manchester United.
The Brazil international continued his excellent form with two goals on Boxing Day. Shortly after Bruno Fernandes' red card and Jorgen Strand Larsen's disallowed goal, Cunha scored directly from a corner.
Coming through on goal in the final moments of extra time, he unselfishly played the ball to Hwang Hee-chan to double the lead against Ruben Amorim's beleaguered side. Numerous clubs have been linked with the 25-year-old, with the Gunners reportedly lined up ahead of the transfer window.
However, speaking after his side's second straight win, Cunha made his feelings clear about Wolves, declaring: “I feel so happy to be here.”
Discussing Wolves' dream day against United, which saw them climb to 17th and move out of the relegation zone, he told Amazon Prime Sport: “It was my first time [scoring from a corner]. We train with it a lot. He said to me: kick [towards] the goal and we try to manage the goalkeeper. Yes, I was shooting. We did one in the first half and he saved, but the second one went in and we scored a goal.”
Cunha added: “I'm so happy to be here. That's me as the leader of the team and then I give it to Channy [Hwang Hee-chan.] I think it's the first goal in the Premier League [this season] and he says every day: 'please pass me on'. So today I'm so happy because I got the chance to go to him and he scored.”
United themselves have also been linked with Cunha since Amorim's arrival, and interest has now been credited to the title-chasing Gunners. According to The Athletic, Arsenal have been admirers of Cunha for years.
While he isn't a priority at the moment, a continuation of his outstanding commitments could move him higher on their wish list. The recent injuries to Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling have also increased the need for attacking reinforcements.
After a torrid start to the season, Wolves have been reinvigorated by new boss Vitor Pereira, who has made his feelings clear about Cunha's importance to the team. After the match against United, the Portuguese coach said: “I tell him every time during the match how good he is because he needs to hear that.
“He's a great player, I think he's one of the best I've ever played with. He's just so good, hopefully we can keep him for a long time.”
“He has the confidence, I like to build people up, we have a good feeling, I have a good relationship with him, I'm more of a big man with the ball on my chest, and he is the Brazilian magic. Great guy, great footballer.”
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