Wolves insist Cunha not for sale amid interest from Arsenal and Forest

Wolves coach Vitor Pereira insists star forward Matheus Cunha is not for sale, amid reported interest from Arsenal and Nottingham Forest.

Cunha has scored 10 Premier League goals for Wolves this season, the former Atletico Madrid and RB Leipzig man being a bright spark for the club during a season of struggle.

Cunha’s expected goals (xG) overperformance of +5.47 this season (10 goals from 4.63 xG) is the third-best in the league, behind Bryan Mbeumo (13 goals, 6.8 xG) and Chris Wood (14 goals, 8.08 xG).

His sparking form has led to links with Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, both of whom are in the market for January reinforcements.

On Friday, Mikel Arteta said Arsenal – who visit Wolves on Saturday – are “actively” looking for a new forward, having endured an attacking drop-off this season.

Though Arsenal have been excellent from set-pieces, they are averaging fewer goals (1.32 to 1.47), expected goals (1.13 xG to 1.44) and shots (10 to 13) from open play per league game in 2024-25 than they did in 2023-24.

Forest, meanwhile, saw a £20million bid for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa knocked back earlier this week and are looking to strengthen their frontline as they chase a top-four finish.

However, Pereira insists Wolves’ talisman is not available, telling reporters: “He is my player – I think he is not for sale. This is the information from the club.”

Pereira publicly criticised Cunha’s body language after 17th-placed Wolves were beaten 3-1 at Chelsea on Monday.

Those comments led to suggestions of a rift between Pereira and his vice-captain, but he insists there are no hard feelings between them.

“He knows what I want from him as a captain. We had a conversation and everything is sorted,” Pereira said.

“He is ready for the game, committed to us and ready to help the team. What we need from him is that he plays at his high level. He is very important.”