Matheus Cunha has made his future plans clear, stating: “I need to take that next step”.
The Wolves star is set to be one of the most in-demand stars in the Premier League this summer with the prospect of a big-money switch on the cards.
Arsenal have expressed an interest in Cunha – with a striker being the Gunners’ top priority this summer amid long-term injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
However, talkSPORT understands manager Mikel Arteta has reservations about the forward’s hot-headed character.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest are plotting a club record move for if they qualify for the Champions League.
Forest made enquiries for Cunha in January but Wolves were adamant they were not prepared to sell.
The Brazilian forward penned a new contract at Molineux to dampen the interest in his services but addressing his future, Cunha told the Guardian that he hopes to move on.
“I had a lot of offers but I wouldn’t feel well if I had done it,” he said.
““Some things you can’t control but I couldn’t leave the club in the middle of the season, in a difficult situation, in the relegation zone.
“Now, we’re close to achieving our goal [of staying up]. But 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.”
Despite looking to move on, Cunha opened up about the love he’s felt since leaving Atletico Madrid for Wolves in January 2023.
“Sometimes all we want in life is affection,” Cunha says.
“People think we have everything, but we’re human beings, too. We need a bit of understanding – we have our difficulties.
“Wolves gave me that joy back. The fans [have given] me a lot.
“The status I have today, the player I am now and the happiness I’m feeling, it’s because of them. I’m really grateful to Wolves.”
Paying special credit to Wolves boss Gary O’Neil, Cunha said: “Gary understood me completely.
“He came in and said: ‘Man, I think you’re an incredible person, but you need affection. And I’m going to give you affection. I’m going to complain when I need to complain, but I’m almost going to be family for you.’
“When someone sees something in you beyond the player, it touches you.
“These conversations and these lessons were of great importance in my life.”
