Nottingham Forest are refusing to give up on their pursuit of Matheus Cunha, with the club now proceeding to make contact with the player.
Striking options became plentiful for Forest after Evangelos Marinakis decided to target a striker to aid Nuno Espirito Santo’s push for European Football.
Yoane Wissa looked to be Forest’s top target in the window, but Forest’s interest in Cunha has overtaken any other rumour to become the key story as we edge closer to deadline day.
Despite Wolves not looking to sell Cunha in January, Marinakis is not willing to move on from the Brazilian who would provide the polar-opposite attributes to Chris Wood whilst almost matching the Kiwi’s goal tally this season.
His current manager Vitor Pereira claimed Cunha is committed to Wolves whilst the rumour mill continues to turn, but Forest are preparing a club-record bid for Cunha to truly test the resolve of the Midlands club.
Whilst the bid would represent a formal approach for the Brazilian star, reports are suggesting that Forest have already made contact with Cunha in a show of urgency.
Nottingham Forest prepare ‘historic offer’ after contact with Matheus Cunha
Rumours and links can be misleading but a fresh update from journalist Eduardo Burgos has truly solidified Marinakis’ intentions regarding Cunha.
Burgos has stated that Forest have “begun informal contacts” in regards to signing Cunha, with a “historic offer” estimated to be imminent from the City Ground.
Burgos reiterated the information that Wolves are not considering selling Cunha but if Forest can continue these informal contacts, the Molineux side may be forced into a decision.
Wolves are looking for £60m for Cunha according to reports which is a figure that the Forest owner doesn’t look to have been put off by, having already broken the Forest record transfer glass this season when Elliot Anderson signed for Forest from Newcastle United.
Clearly, then, Forest aren’t going to give up on Cunha as we enter the final stages of the transfer window, which looks to be a particular problem for Wolves if Burgos’ further information on the situation is to be believed.
Wolves face problem with Matheus Cunha contract talks
It’s understandable to expect that the Brazilian will be confused as to where his future lies currently, with Cunha preferring a move to Arsenal but Forest pushing the agenda much more aggressively than the North London side.
What seems least likely at this stage is that he is happy at Wolves, with Burgos continuing to add: “They [Wolves] trust that he will renew [his contract], but the issue of the clause continues to be the problem.”
Burgos clarified in a later tweet that Wolves had promised a release clause to Cunha in his proposed new deal, highlighting that whether it’s in January or the summer, the Brazilian is looking to leave.
This leaves the saga at somewhat of a crossroads. Espirito Santo will want attacking reinforcements quickly so Forest will continue to pursue Cunha, so the decision lies with Wolves as to whether to cash in now or agree to a potentially less-favourable release clause for a summer sale.
