Newcastle United are ready to take on Manchester United in the battle to sign Matheus Cunha, and frankly, it's about time they showed some bloody ambition!
The Magpies have finally grown a pair and made contact with the Brazilian's camp ahead of a potential summer move. About bloody time too, I say!
Cunha's release clause
The Wolves star has a £62.5 million release clause in the deal he signed earlier this year, which had led to Man United registering their interest. Typical bloody United, thinking they can just waltz in and get whoever they want. Well, not this time, mateys!
Man United's interest
Man United are looking for a number 10 to fit into Ruben Amorim's rigid 3-4-2-1 system. Amorim is keen to bolster his attacking options as he continues his Old Trafford rebuild. But they're not the only ones interested, oh no!
Arsenal and Nottingham Forest's interest
Arsenal and Nottingham Forest have been keen on the versatile forward, though the Gunners also have a number of European targets. They've been keeping tabs on Cunha but Viktor Gyokeres and Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams are ahead of him on their list in both the number nine and left-wing positions. Forest retain a firm interest in Cunha, but it's understood from those close the player that he prefers to join a big-six club, even if Forest qualify for the Champions League. Well, tough luck, muppets!
Newcastle's move
Newcastle appear to have made the first move to secure Cunha's signature. It is understood Cunha's agent will fly to England soon for face-to-face talks with potential suitors, and has already made some initial contact with United. Finally, the Magpies are showing some bloody ambition!
Cunha's disciplinary issues
Despite his promise in front of goal, Cunha's hot-headedness has landed him with a number of bans throughout the season. The 25-year-old has missed Wolves' last four matches through suspension following his sending off against Bournemouth. Cunha was dismissed in the FA Cup fifth round tie after an altercation with Milos Kerkez in which he headbutted and kicked the Cherries defender. His three-match ban was then extended to four, which he completed following Saturday's win at Ipswich. The Brazilian forward was fined £50,000 on top of the extended ban but returns to the squad ahead of Wolves' clash with Tottenham on Sunday.
Cunha's future
Despite the absence, he remains Wolves' top scorer this season with a total of 15 strikes across all competitions. The 25-year-old joined from Atletico Madrid in 2023 following an initial loan spell, and he extended his stay back in February. Cunha's new four-year deal is set to run through until the summer of 2029, though Newcastle, Man United, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest have all added him to their summer wish-list. Wolves host Tottenham at the Molineux on Sunday before travelling to Old Trafford to face Man United. Vitor Pereira's side are in 17th in the Premier League table.
So, there you have it. The battle for Cunha is well and truly on, and I for one can't bloody wait to see how it all pans out. It's about time Newcastle showed some ambition, and if they can beat United to Cunha's signature, then all the better. The beautiful game, eh? You've got to love it!
