Wolves

Wolves

Premier League • England

Leeds Utd efforts in vain as focus switches with Wolves getting ‘closer and closer’ to signing striker from LaLiga giants

Matheus Cunha of Atletico Madrid during the Group B - UEFA Champions League match between Club Brugge KV and Atletico Madrid at the Jan Breydelstadion on October 4, 2022 in Brugges, Belgium

Wolves are still in the lead to sign Matheus Cunha from Atletico Madrid and a deal for the Leeds United target is getting “closer and closer”, according to a report.

Cunha looks likely to be sacrificed by Atletico Madrid in January following their elimination from European competition. He has not made a significant impact since joining from Hertha Berlin in 2021. Indeed, the striker has only scored seven goals in 54 appearances for his current club.

Since Atletico need to raise funds in the winter, they have identified Cunha as someone they should be getting rid of. In turn, there has been speculation about a transfer to the Premier League.

Earlier in December, claims emerged that Wolves had come to an agreement for the 23-year-old. Any optimism may have been premature, though.

Follow-ups suggested Leeds United were ready to rival Wolves for Cunha’s transfer, as are Everton. Respected reporter David Ornstein has confirmed the West Yorkshire side are making a “serious” push for the Atletico flop.

However, their attempts might have come too late. According to AS, Wolves are actually getting “closer and closer” to winning the transfer battle.

While it is not yet clear whether the transfer will be a permanent deal or a loan (the former seems more likely), the Spanish source believes everything is indicating Cunha will be on his way to Molineux.

Not only do Diego Simeone’s side want rid of him, Cunha is also keen to continue his career away from the Estadio Metropolitano. His destination could well be in the West Midlands.

Matheus Cunha to address Wolves striker need

Wolves are in need of another goalscorer after only finding the net eight times from their first 15 games of the Premier League season. No other side in the top flight has fared worse in 2022-23.

There have also been claims that Raul Jimenez could be on his way out. Therefore, it is clear to see why Julen Lopetegui could do with another centre-forward.

Leeds also could consider adding a striker to provide competition for Patrick Bamford, who hasn’t been as reliable as he was in their first season back in the Premier League.

Jesse Marsch can call upon several younger options up front, many of whom have good potential. However, if Leeds are to stay clear of relegation trouble, it would be useful if they could turn to another senior option.

According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds director of football Victor Orta is a long-term admirer of Cunha.

What’s more, Jesse Marsch worked with the Brazilian when he was assisting Ralf Rangnick at RB Leipzig in the past.

Despite this, partially because of how much Wolves are advancing, the YEP reports that Leeds are looking elsewhere. Cunha will remain a target, but isn’t a priority.

Therefore, AS‘ belief that Wolves are closing in on his signature instead could well be accurate.

READ MORE – Wolves transfer news: Lopetegui confirms LaLiga duo as serious targets ahead of January window