Exclusive: ‘Nottingham Forest well placed to agree amazing Matheus Cunha deal’
Nottingham Forest are looking to strengthen their forward options this summer after being heavily linked with a move for Matheus Cunha.
Nuno Espirto Santo’s side enquired about the Brazil international’s availability in the January transfer window, but he remained with Wolves to help them in their relegation fight.
Forest will need to make a record-breaking bid to sign Cunha this summer as Molineux chiefs look to keep hold of their prize asset.
The 25-year-old’s contract, which runs out in 2029 following his extension in January, includes a £62.5million release clause.
That is almost double the club-record £35million fee Forest spent on signing Elliot Anderson from Newcastle United last summer.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – revealed Forest can afford to trigger Cunha’s release clause this summer.
Nuno’s side are well-placed to secure Champions League football for next season as they currently sit third in the Premier League table, seven points above sixth-place Newcastle.
There are expected to be five Champions League spots available for top-flight clubs this season, with England comfortably clear in Uefa’s coefficient rankings.
Matheus Cunha would be ‘amazing’ Nottingham Forest signing
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted Champions League qualification would make Forest a more attractive proposition for Cunha.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “I think they can afford it.
“I think they are looking as though they’re going to get the Champions League. I think that’s almost nailed on right now.
“I would say that Forest have got a great chance to do that, and I think they’ll complete the season and get it done.
“I think Cunha would be an amazing fit for Forest. I think that really makes them quite a force.
“Certainly, with the Champions League I think that would be attractive for him to go there.
“Look, he’s a good player and I really like watching him play.
“I think with Forest and the way that they’re going forward, the way that Nuno has them playing right now, it’s very attractive.
“It also is another part in that building of a squad that Forest are doing, which is quite exciting.
“I have got to give them full credit and I think the Cunha deal could be done.”
| Appearances | 29 |
| Goals | 15 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 |
| Red Cards | 1 |
Nottingham Forest well-placed to agree Yoanne Wissa deal
Football Insider revealed on 22 March Forest could sign Yoanne Wissa for £15-20million as he will be heading into the final 12 months of his Brentford deal this summer.
Forest wanted to sign Wissa in January, but their bids were rejected and he remained in west London as a result.
The Nottingham club are expected to be active in the summer transfer window as they prioritise improving their attacking options.
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