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Matheus Cunha to Arsenal: Could He Be the Secret Weapon?

Arsenal fans are excited (and a little bit nervous) is exactly how it is with the January transfer window, as it is. Why? The Gunners have been enjoying a strong start to the season and are looking for a winger, names like Matheus Cunha who is impressing for Wolves have come into the firing line. With Arsenal’s attack looking short of some extra weaponry, Cunha could be Arteta’s missing piece. If he really joins the North London side, what happens then? Can he blaze Arsenal into the glory they’ve so yearned for many years, or can he only deliver another dose of “so close, yet so far”? Let’s find out!

Why Arsenal Need Matheus Cunha Right Now

The truth is that Arsenal’s attack has been a little sharper… but sharp enough is still not sharp enough to blow through the title race. Arteta is without attacking options after Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah both got injured. Kai Havertz has filled the false nine roles as well as he can but it feels like he’s playing hide-and-seek with the goalposts. Wolves have a prolific forward in Gabrielle Matheus Cunha.

In 20 Premier League games this season, the 25 year old has managed to find the net 10 times and lay on four assists. That’s pretty good for Wolves, who aren’t exactly setting the league alight. It was quite funny that if Cunha could put up those numbers for a side in tatters it’s fair to say he could take Arsenal to a higher level than that with the likes of Martin Ødegaard, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice?

Matheus Cunha’s Potential Impact at Arsenal

If Arsenal does sign Matheus Cunha, then what happens? So I ran a Football Manager simulation (what else?) to see how the Brazilian would get on in North London. Here’s what happened.

Once he reached the Emirates, Cunha slotted into the starting XI right away and moved more or less as a striker, but often on the left flank. And guess what? He delivered!

Across all competitions, Cunha racked up 11 goals in 20 appearances and offered four assists. His form was top-notch, averaging 7.91 across his games — the best in the Arsenal squad. And he actually even outscored Jesus and then Saka, becoming the Gunners ‘go-to man’ in the front of the goal.

Arsenal, who lost just three of their last 18 league games under Cunha, ended the season with 85 points, just four behind title winners Liverpool. They also reached the Champions League quarter-finals before being beaten by Real Madrid.

What Would Arsenal’s Best XI Look Like with Cunha?

The football manager’s data showed Cunha was among Arsenal’s best XI for the season. Here’s how the lineup looked in a 4-3-3 formation:

GK: David Raya
Defenders: William Saliba, Jurrien Timber, Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori
Midfielders: Martin Ødegaard, Declan Rice and Thomas Partey
Forwards: Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Matheus Cunha
Cunha started alongside Saka and Havertz, and formed a deadly attacking trio, while Ben White was troubled by injuries.

Author’s Opinion: Is Cunha the Right Fit?

I reckon signing Matheus Cunha would be a smart move for Arsenal. He scores goals, assists, and sneaks a bit of Brazilian magic — this is what you need to win trophies. Also, let’s not forget, Arsenal fans have earned a break from heartache. The feeling is always that we’re one puzzle piece away from glory, every season. Cunha might be that missing piece. Or maybe we’ll sign him and make him another Willian we hope for the former!

The signing of Cunha alone won’t ensure trophies but his arrival would massively strengthen Arsenal’s squad. If managed well, a move to the Emirates could finally allow the Brazilian to help the Gunners get over the finish line. But Arsenal fans have waited patiently since it’s been 20 years.

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