Bad news for Nottingham Forest as Matheus Cunha ‘top target’ claim made – but there’s a silver lining

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It seems inevitable that Nottingham Forest will attempt to sign Matheus Cunha this summer, but they will face stiff competition in the process.

The challenge is already clear for Forest as Cunha would rather join one of the ‘big 6’ as his next move, even if Nuno Espirito Santo can guide his side into the Champions League.

Regardless of this, though, Cunha remains Forest’s dream target, and with his well-known £62.5m release clause, it seems difficult to imagine that Evangelos Marinakis won’t at least have another stab at securing the Brazilian.

Forest have alternative transfer targets, and they could be required as a rival Premier League side make the Wolves talisman their summer priority.

Newcastle United will push hard to sign Matheus Cunha

Arsenal were linked with Cunha in January, but reports suggest that it will be Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United that push hardest for the Brazilian alongside Forest.

A report by the Daily Mail said: “Newcastle are ready to make Matheus Cunha one of their top targets this summer. Cunha’s versatility is one of the attractions and staff believe he can play as a winger or No 9, or as a No 8 in their three-man midfield.

“Newcastle would almost certainly need to make the Champions League to be in the running, both from a financial and appeal perspective, but the prospect of working under Eddie Howe and joining fellow Brazilians Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton works in their favour.”

With Cunha confirming he wants to leave Wolves, any slight advantage in the race will be crucial so his friendship with Guimaraes and Joelinton could be a deciding factor, alongside whether Forest or Newcastle can both qualify for the Champions League.

The Forest manager will be downbeat about potentially missing out on Cunha, but there is a positive slant on the news surrounding Newcastle’s long-term pursuit of Anthony Elanga.

Newcastle’s Matheus Cunha push could see Anthony Elanga safe

There was a late scare in the 2024 summer window as Newcastle made a late move for Elanga, and while the deal never materialised, the Magpies didn’t necessarily give up on the Swede.

Newcastle are still interested in Elanga but should they move to sign Cunha, this interest will almost certainly pass given the finances involved to sign both players at once.

Given that Howe and his coaching staff believe that Cunha could play out wide, Elanga’s future looks more secure at the City Ground. Forest may have to pivot to another striking target, but at least their star winger will be there to supply the number nine.