Arsenal target Matheus Cunha once named Lukas Podolski as an idol

By Jordan Harris

Reports from The Athletic on Monday claimed that Arsenal are now interested in Matheus Cunha after losing Gabriel Jesus to injury while the striker was at the World Cup.

Jesus’ absence has the potential to really hurt the Gunners this season. He has been such a vital part of Mikel Arteta’s side. And the void he leaves in the team is a massive one.

Signing a replacement in January appears to be a must. And Cunha is the latest name to be linked with a move to the Emirates.

Arsenal interested in Cunha

The Athletic reported that a Premier League move is likely, with Wolves optimistic about a deal. Meanwhile, Leeds, Everton, and now Arsenal, all want the 23-year-old.

Cunha has not had the best season with Atletico Madrid – his second since his £26 million move. He is yet to score in any competition. But it does appear that he is just not suited to the style Diego Simeone has his side play in the Spanish capital.

A look on social media would suggest that plenty of Arsenal fans would welcome a deal for Cunha. And it is hard to imagine that the Brazilian would need too much convincing to join the Gunners.

In fact, during a 2019 interview with the Bundesliga official website, Cunha suggested that one of his favourite players is a former Arsenal star as he was asked about those who had previously played in the league.

“In terms of players from the Bundesliga, I like Podolski very much,” he said. “He destroyed the Brazil national team when he went there and became world champion, and I cried a lot at that time.

“But he seems to have a lot of affection from Brazilians even to this day. He’s always playing around and joking with Flamengo. I believe Podolski is a German player, who has a great personality on and off the pitch.”

Striker may jump at the chance to emulate Podolski

Cunha made reference to Podolski being a part of the Germany squad which beat Brazil at the 2014 World Cup. And at the time, he was an Arsenal player.

He has also not been involved in the Bundesliga since before his stint in North London. So Cunha may well have followed Podolski’s fortunes in England given his admiration for the 37-year-old.

And with that, playing for Arsenal may carry extra significance to Cunha – should the Gunners make a move next month.