Liverpool are reportedly preparing to make an official approach for want-away Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha.
Despite sitting 12 points clear at the top of the Premier League table, Arne Slot and club officials are aware that they must strengthen in the final third.
Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez have contributed just 10 top-flight goals between them during 2024-25, each of the pair subsequently being linked with an exit from Anfield.
With Jota now 28 years of age, accepting a cut-price bid for the Portugal international may make sense, yet Liverpool could theoretically generate a substantial sum for Nunez if a Saudi Pro League club expresses an interest.
As such, funds may become available to press ahead with a move for a replacement, it yet to be determined whether Slot prefers a versatile attacker or a traditional number nine.
© Imago
Cunha offer being prepared?
However, according to Football Insider, Liverpool have started the process of assessing the capabilities of Cunha ahead of a potential bid.
The Brazil international is allegedly viewed as a potential alternative to Nunez on the back of his sparkling form for Wolves this campaign.
Despite being due to extend his run of games unavailable due to suspension to six games over the next week, Cunha has still managed 13 goals and four assists in the Premier League.
Furthermore, an interview was published over the weekend where Cunha strongly suggested that he is targeting a transfer to a club that will 'fight for titles' in the summer.
Despite the 25-year-old taking to social media to reassure Wolves fans that he remains committed to the club, it is largely accepted that he has a £62.5m release clause present in a contract that was signed in February.
With Liverpool aware of the fee that they will likely need to pay for Cunha, they must now determine whether he is a worthwhile investment.
© Imago
Will Liverpool regard themselves as favourites?
Although they sit clear at the top of the Premier League, several factors could leave Liverpool as outsiders for Cunha if a transfer battle ensues.
If Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk were to leave on free transfers, priority would need to be placed on bolstering the defence over the attack.
Mohamed Salah's potential departure could also lead to a right-winger needing to be signed in his place, albeit that being a role that Cunha could fill.
Arsenal's appointment of Andrea Berta may lead to the Gunners upping their interest in Cunha at a time when Liverpool cannot commit to such a expensive deal.
With Berta being at Atletico Madrid when they signed Cunha earlier in his career, there is a clear admiration in his ability.
Darren Plant
