Arne Friedrich claims Hertha Berlin cannot rule out selling Matheus Cunha this summer, via Kicker, amid expectations that Atletico Madrid are set to bid for the Leeds United target.
The German publication believes it is extremely questionable that Cunha remains in Berlin past the August 31 deadline. The Brazilian has attracted a wealth of suitors this summer, with Atalanta and Napoli offering a move to Italy, Leeds to England or Atletico to Spain.
Zenit St Petersburg also presented a route to Russia, with Goal reporting the Premier Liga side could offer €25m (£21.5m). But Hertha star Cunha would rather move to England or Spain – and Atletico may grant the Leeds target’s wish.
Kicker note Atletico are preparing a €30m (£25.5m) offer for Cunha as an alternative for Fiorentina’s Dusan Vlahovic. The bid would likely appeal to Hertha, as UOL note BSC set the market at that figure, whilst adding Marcelo Bielsa personally requested Leeds sign Cunha.
Hertha Sports Director Friedrich confirmed his Bundesliga side were yet to receive any offers on Thursday. Yet added that much can change before Deadline Day, as Cunha is the sort of player who can attract interest.
“We have nothing to say that we have to make decisions now,” Friedrich said. “Of course, Matheus is a player who arouses desire. I can’t say how things will go on in the next week-and-a-half. Sometimes football is quick. Sometimes an offer comes in, you have to react.”
Hertha Berlin star Cunha showing why Leeds and Atletico Madrid want him
Cunha has wasted little time this season to show why Leeds and Atletico Madrid want the Hertha Berlin striker. The 22-year-old assisted Stevan Jovetic six minutes into BSC’s season-opener at Koln last Sunday, although they went on to lose.
Cunha offered six assists and seven goals in the German top-flight last season, too. His first assist of the 2020/21 term came on matchday three against Bayern Munich before scoring. While adding a brace against Borussia Dortmund to build on his promising start to the year.
But his output dried up after netting twice at home to BVB, with just one goal following the November encounter. Assisting on the opening day against Mainz will have encouraged Leeds and Atletico to open talks with Hertha for Cunha. And Friedrich does not seem totally convinced that the Olympic gold medallist will be at the Olympiastadion for much longer.
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