Manchester United Set To Trigger £62.5m Release Clause For Wolves Star Matheus Cunha In Summer Transfer Race

Manchester United's summer recruitment drive is poised for a statement signing, with the club accelerating efforts to capture Wolverhampton Wanderers' talisman Matheus Cunha. The Brazilian forward has emerged as a high-profile target with his £62.5 million release clause becoming active at the end of the current season, sparking intense Premier League competition. The move signals United’s intent to rebuild an attack capable of reclaiming former glories under manager Ruben Amorim, as the club looks to overhaul its frontline options.

This saga is gaining momentum after reports confirmed that Cunha’s representatives are set for face-to-face negotiations with United’s transfer hierarchy, consisting of Jason Wilcox and Christopher Vivell. According to multiple sources, Manchester United have overtaken Arsenal in the pursuit, with the Gunners cooling their interest despite Andrea Berta — who previously signed Cunha for Atletico Madrid — now operating as their sporting director. Nottingham Forest remains interested, yet the striker is believed to prefer a move to a top-six side battling for major honours.

Matheus Cunha's appeal to elite English clubs is no surprise. The 25-year-old has enjoyed a breakout campaign at Wolves, netting 15 goals and supplying 4 assists in 29 appearances. Despite missing Wolves’ four recent matches due to suspension — following a contentious sending-off in an FA Cup clash with Bournemouth — Cunha remains the club’s leading marksman.

In February, Wolves moved to protect their asset by extending his contract until June 2029, embedding a significant release clause. Yet, with growing interest and the clause soon to be activated, Wolves could face renewed transfer pressure, especially as Cunha has openly hinted at ambitions to fight for major titles elsewhere. His desire aligns with United’s urgent need to bolster attacking potency, having relied heavily on Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, who combined have managed just 14 goals across all competitions.

United’s interest is part of a broader overhaul under Amorim’s tenure, with reports suggesting the club may prioritise a creative number 10 compatible with the manager’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation. Cunha’s versatility — equally effective as centre-forward or attacking midfielder — makes him an ideal candidate. His mix of agility, technical skill, and tenacity has drawn praise from teammates, former United stars, and pundits alike. Journalist George Lakin and ex-United defender Rio Ferdinand have both described Cunha as “superb” and “world-class,” urging United to seize the opportunity.

Negotiations are expected to intensify over the coming weeks. Importantly, Cunha is reportedly interested in joining United even without immediate Champions League football, motivated by the challenge of restoring the club’s status atop English and European football. Arsenal’s withdrawal clears the runway somewhat, yet lingering interest from Forest and potential continental suitors means United must act decisively.

This rumoured high-profile acquisition coincides with a wider summer transfer buzz. Besides Cunha, United remain linked with Victor Osimhen — with Chelsea dropping out of the race — and other emerging talents. Meanwhile, notable Premier League clubs like Everton and Brighton have their sights on England U21 striker Liam Delap, should Ipswich face relegation. The Premier League landscape promises a heated transfer window brimming with big-money moves and strategic reshuffles.

For Matheus Cunha and Manchester United, this summer could prove transformative. Will the Red Devils meet his release clause and finally secure the clinical forward they crave? Or will other contenders swoop in last minute? Football fans across the globe will be watching closely, eager to see how this flagship saga unfolds.

What’s your take on United’s pursuit of Cunha? Could he be the missing piece in Amorim’s tactical puzzle? Share your thoughts, debate with fellow fans, and stay tuned for all the latest updates as the transfer drama heats up.

• Manchester United
• Matheus Cunha
• Wolverhampton Wanderers

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