Wolverhampton Wanderers have confirmed that influential attacker Matheus Cunha has signed a new contract at the club until the summer of 2029.
The 25-year-old put pen to paper after Saturday's 2-0 Premier League success over West Midlands rivals Aston Villa, where he struck the Old Gold's second of the contest in added time.
Cunha's renewal was believed to have been in place some weeks ago amid interest from Arsenal and Manchester United, and his previous terms were due to expire at the end of the 2026-27 campaign.
However, the attacker's Molineux future was briefly plunged into doubt after Wolves' 3-1 loss to Chelsea, where head coach Vitor Pereira criticised his body language, leading to heightened speculation over a January exit.
Those fears have now been extinguished, as Cunha has now committed the next four-and-a-half years of his career to Wolves, all but ruling out the prospect of a transfer before the winter window shuts on Monday at 11pm.
"Infectious" Cunha signs new long-term Wolves deal
Putting pen-to-paper after full time ✍️ pic.twitter.com/vgKiAZrveJ
— Wolves (@Wolves) February 1, 2025
"Matheus has been on an amazing journey with us over the past two years and it's been a privilege to see him grow into a big part of the Wolves family," Wolves chairman Jeff Shi told the club's official website.
"Matheus has a good relationship with every at Compton Park, his personality is infectious to those around him, and we hope this new contract will provide a boost to the group.
"We can all see his quality on the pitch, but off it he's developed into a leader of the group, and we're delighted that he's signed a new contract. It's always important to us that we reward our strongest and most impactful players, and Matheus deserves this new deal."
Meanwhile, sporting director Matt Hobbs added: "The new contract is a reward for what Matheus has done, and symbolises his importance to us on the pitch. It is something that he's earned because of everything he's given us and will continue to give us.
"Matheus loves the club, loves the fans and really appreciates the opportunity the club has given him. The fans have taken him under their wing, and he's loved being here, so it's been a really positive experience for both sides.
"His talent is undeniable and he's a real winner. He wants us to achieve our goals now, and when a player of his quality shows he's with you and up for the fight, it's a big lift for everyone. Now he has to do what he's been doing, and even more. I expect him to knuckle down through the second half of season, because we need everyone at it."
Cunha's strike in Saturday's win over Villa was his 11th of the Premier League season, and the former Atletico Madrid man has now registered 27 goals and 13 assists in 80 appearances for Wolves since originally joining on loan in January 2023, a few months before his stay was made permanent for €50m (£41.8m).
What Cunha alternatives can Arsenal, Man United target?
© Imago
Any wafer-thin hopes Arsenal and Man United had of striking a deal for Cunha over the next 48 hours have now evaporated, but there is still one wantaway attacking option whom both camps could fight fiercely for.
The future of Bayern Munich's Mathys Tel remains clouded in uncertainty after the Frenchman rejected a move to Tottenham Hotspur, and the Red Devils are said to have made the most progress in their attempts to lure him to England.
Lille striker Jonathan David could also be one to watch on deadline day, as the Ligue 1 outfit risk losing him for nothing at the end of the season, but there has been little to suggest that he will be on the move this month.
Several times Arsenal boss Arteta has affirmed that the club are doing everything in their power to land a new attacker this month, but as the clock ticks down to 11pm on Monday, the Gunners appear to be no closer to replacing long-term injury victims Gabriel Jesus or Bukayo Saka.
Ben Knapton
