Manchester United are ready to trigger the clause for a Wolves star Arsenal have tracked all season.
But the Gunners already have eyes elsewhere.
Manchester United are increasingly confident of securing the signing of Matheus Cunha, with the Wolverhampton Wanderers forward expected to depart this summer. Cunha has been on Arsenal’s radar for much of the season, but United have moved decisively and are prepared to trigger the £64.5 million release clause in his contract.
The 25-year-old has been a standout performer at Wolves, registering 17 goals and six assists in 34 appearances, and is now viewed at Old Trafford as a priority target, according to The Times.
Despite Arsenal’s interest, Cunha has never been at the top of the club’s shortlist. Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP and Nico Williams of Athletic Club are preferred options for the centre-forward and left-wing roles respectively.
United’s urgency is clear. Their current top scorer, Bruno Fernandes, has just eight league goals, and they have scored only 42 times in 37 Premier League matches. Rúben Amorim, the United head coach, has privately stated his desire to strengthen the attack, and Cunha is understood to be a name he has endorsed.
Speaking to The Observer in March, Cunha said: “ I’ve made it clear that I need to take the next step. I want to fight for titles, for big things. I have potential.” Though he signed a new four-and-a-half-year deal in February, Wolves accept that the forward will leave.
Chelsea have also shown interest, but United’s willingness to act swiftly has put them in pole position. While Arsenal have tracked Cunha, reports from Alex Crook of talkSPORT indicated that their attention has largely shifted to other targets.
As things stand, Arsenal look set to prioritise Gyokeres, who scored 39 league goals in Portugal this season, over Cunha.