Nottingham Forest have reportedly retained an interest in Wolverhampton Wanderers attacker Matheus Cunha.
Last year, the East Midlands outfit were being docked four points for breaching the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability regulations and enduring a scramble to comply with the rules prior to the summer deadline.
However, Nuno Espirito Santo has instigated such a change in fortunes at the City Ground that Forest are closing in on a European spot and potential Champions League qualification.
With nine matches remaining, Forest sit seven points clear of sixth-placed Newcastle United in the Premier League table, and earning a place at European football’s top table would free up funds for the summer.
According to TBR Football, qualification for the Champions League could lead to a formal offer being made for Cunha.
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Forest plotting ambitious move
Although Cunha penned a new long-term contract with Wolves at the beginning of February, it is alleged that a release clause in the region of £63m was inserted.
Wolves are aware that interest is likely to come their way during the summer transfer window, regardless of whether they are able to retain their Premier League status.
Arsenal have previously been among those linked with a move for the Brazil international, who has contributed 13 goals and four assists in England’s top flight this campaign.
Nevertheless, it seems as though Forest may attempt to win the race for the 25-year-old if they are playing Champions League football during 2025-26.
The report claims that Cunha’s representatives are yet to discourage Forest from making an approach in the summer, albeit the likelihood is that they remain underdogs for his signature.
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Where would Cunha fit in at Forest?
Nuno already has an established front four of Anthony Elanga, Morgan Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Chris Wood, with other players providing adequate backup.
If Cunha is to move to Forest, he would expect a regular starting berth, albeit that most likely to occur out wide with Gibbs-White arguably indispensable as a number 10.
The same can likely be said for Wood. Not only has the New Zealand international scored 18 goals in the Premier League this season, Nuno has always preferred to use a physically-imposing number nine down the middle, rather than someone of the attributes of Cunha.
Therefore, it may suit all parties to ultimately go in a different direction. If Forest are to break their current £35m transfer record, it would be plausible to expect them to do so on a guaranteed starter in their preferred position.
