Arsenal risk another painful transfer reminder as Matheus Cunha looks to prove point for Wolves | OneFootball

Alexander Isak showed Arsenal what they are missing and Cunha could do the same at Molineux this afternoon

The calls for Arsenal to sign a striker this month have slightly eased over the past few days, but it is not hard to see how they could quickly pick up again after Saturday’s trip to Wolves.

This time, the Gunners come face to face with Wolves striker Matheus Cunha - who has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal this month.

The demand among Arsenal fans for the club to sign a new attacker grew after Isak tormented them - and history could easily repeat itself if Cunha is able to put Arteta’s side to the sword.

The Brazilian has been in brilliant form this season and Arsenal are not alone in admiring his talents, with Nottingham Forest also keen on him.

Despite Wolves being in a relegation battle, Cunha has scored 10 Premier League goals this season - two more than any Arsenal player - and he has chipped in with four assists.

Alexander Isak shone against Arsenal earlier this month

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Wolves are determined to keep hold of the striker this month and are in talks with him over a new contract.

“He is my player – I think he is not for sale,” said Wolves manager Vitor Pereira on Friday. “This is the information from the club.”

Cunha will have a point to prove against Arsenal on Saturday, partly because of their interest in him, but also after Monday night’s loss at Chelsea.

Pereira criticised Cunha’s body language during the defeat at Stamford Bridge and said it was “human” for him to be distracted by interest from other clubs this month.

“He can be frustrated as he wants to win, but everyone in the dressing room wants to win,” Pereira said.

“I don’t like this body language. I want someone, as a captain, trying to help the team - running, suffering and fighting all together.”

The issue is now resolved, according to Pereira, who confirmed that Cunha will be involved against Arsenal.

“He knows what I want from him as a captain,” he said. “We had a conversation and everything is sorted. He is ready for the game, committed to us and ready to help the team. What we need from him is that he plays at his high level. He is very important.”

Wolves fans will surely share the same view and the easy way for Cunha to respond is in front of them on Saturday when his side host Arsenal.

Stopping Cunha will be key to Arsenal beating Wolves and they at least head to Molineux with their fitness woes in defence easing.

Matheus Cunha has scored 10 Premier League goals for Wolves this season

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Myles Lewis-Skelly (knee) and William Saliba (hamstring) - who both missed Wednesday’s win over Dinamo Zagreb - could make the game if they pass late fitness tests.

In attack, Arsenal are also looking stronger as Ethan Nwaneri is back fit. The 17-year-old, who has four goals this season, looked bright off the bench against Dinamo and is pushing to start.

Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard also appear to have found some form after difficult seasons. Trossard has two assists in his last two games, while he also scored the winner in the North London Derby earlier this month.

The Belgian should come into the side in place of Raheem Sterling, who was hooked just before the hour mark against Dinamo after another difficult evening.

Kai Havertz is expected to lead the line, partly as he is the only fit striker Arsenal have right now, but also as he appears to have turned a corner.

After a difficult start to the month, the German has scored in each of Arsenal’s last two games and he set up Declan Rice’s opening goal on Wednesday.

Havertz has 14 goals in all competitions this season in 30 games and, if he keeps up scoring at that rate, it will be the best season of his career in front of goal.

With Gabriel Jesus being out for the season, though, it is clear Havertz needs help and Arteta admitted as much in his press conference on Friday.

Arsenal, however, are still yet to get anyone through the door and there is just over a week left in the transfer window.

Time is running out, and lively performance from Cunha would only serve to hammer that home.