Matheus Cunha has been left out of Atletico Madrid’s squad for a friendly clash as Premier League strugglers Wolves hold talks to sign the Leeds United and Everton target, as reported by El Desmarque.
On Wednesday afternoon, the 2021 La Liga champions will face SD Ponferradina as they look to step up their preparations for the return of club football after the Qatar World Cup.
First-team regulars such as Yannick Ferreira Carrasco, Saul Niguez, Reinildo, Geoffrey Kondogbia, Thomas Lemar and Jan Oblak will be hoping to feature against the Segunda side. All of the aforementioned sextet are part of the matchday squad.
In contrast Cunha’s name is conspicuous by it’s absence from Diego Simeone’s 25-man roster.
Per Fabrizio Romano, Wolves remain in talks to sign the £42 million Brazil international. El Desmarque add that Cunha is now ‘finalising’ his departure from the Wanda Metropolitano. His apparent unavailability for that Ponferradina clash will only add fuel to the speculation fire.
Perhaps Cunha fears that an ill-timed injury could scupper his hopes of a January departure. The former RB Leipzig and Hertha Berlin forward has started only two La Liga matches all season, and missed out on Brazil’s squad for the 2022 World Cup as a result.
Wolves, Everton and Leeds United like Matheus Cunha of Atletico Madrid
The Athletic say that there is also ‘serious interest’ from Leeds United. The Yorkshire giants tried and failed to sign the ‘extraordinary’ Cunha in the summer of 2021. Leeds are now crying out for a striker to ease the burden on an injury-stricken Patrick Bamford.
Goal-shy Everton are in the race too.
Wolverhampton Wandereres, however, remain Cunha’s most likely destination. A scorer of great goals rather than a great ‘goalscorer’; the eight-time international is a big admirer of Molineux boss Julen Lopetegui. Wolves, meanwhile, are willing to offer Cunha a greater financial package than any of their rival suitors.
No wonder. Bottom of the table and with just eight goals from 15 Premier League outings, attacking additions could be the difference between survival and relegation for the Black Country outfit. Particularly with Raul Jimenez’s future uncertain.
Interestingly, while Cunha was left out of Atletico’s friendly with Ponferradina, fellow Brazilian Felipe is in the squad. The 33-year-old centre-back has also held talks with Wolves. A deal appears to be far less advanced, however; Marca suggesting that negotiations are at risk of collapse.
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