Several reports suggest that Atletico Madrid forward Matheus Cunha has attracted interest from Arsenal as a temporary alternative for injured Gabriel Jesus.
The Gunners manager Mikel Arteta was dealt a huge setback during the World Cup when the Brazil striker suffered a knee injury, and the Brazil international has subsequently undergone surgery and faces a three-month layoff. Eddie Nketiah will fill in for Jesus when the Premier League resumes later this month, but the team reportedly plans to reinforce up front to keep up their title challenge.
Following an incredible start to the season before the World Cup break, Arteta’s team leads Manchester City by five points at the top of the league. Nketiah, who has 26 goals for Arsenal and had a strong finish to the previous campaign, might fill in throughout, but Arteta won’t be ready to take any chances as the likelihood of winning the title looms large. Cunha is apparently on his way out of Atletico, with Diego Simeone willing to let go of the 23-year-old barely 15 months after joining the club.
Despite having a contract with the Spanish team until 2026, Leeds United, Aston Villa, and Wolves are reportedly in the race for Cunha’s signature along with the Premier League table-toppers. Diego Simeone is apparently willing to offload Cunha, who has scored seven times in 54 appearances, although most of his minutes have been off the bench.
Jesus has been impresive ever since joining Arsenal from Manchester City at the start of the season, being instrumental in the Gunners attack in their ascent to the summit of the Premier League. His experience on the wing has given Arteta’s side a lot of fluidity, which has benefitted the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli greatly.
Jesus’ exploits have also unlocked the goalscoring potential of Norwegian playmaker Martin Odegaard, who has managed to hold his place in the side ahead of Portuguese midfielder Fabio Vieira. Jesus has scored five times and managed to register six assists in the league this season. Arteta will find it puzzling to replace the Brazilian and could be in for quite the title race, which will be made even more difficult in Jesus’ absence.
