Hwang Hee-chan’s future at Wolverhampton Wanderers has been under scrutiny for some time, as the 25-year-old Brazilian forward’s contract is set to expire in 2025, and he has yet to extend his deal. The forward has also recently been embroiled in disciplinary issues, which have raised questions about his future at Molineux, especially amid the club’s struggles near the bottom of the Premier League table.
Cunha’s frustration with the team’s performance has been evident in recent weeks, and his body language on the field has been called into question. After Wolves’ 2-1 defeat to Chelsea on January 20, 2025, manager Vitor Pereira publicly criticized Cunha for his poor attitude. Pereira specifically pointed to the forward’s decision to walk straight down the tunnel after being substituted in the match, which the manager deemed unacceptable.
In his post-match comments, Pereira addressed the issue head-on. “I had this conversation in the dressing room,” Pereira said. “He can be frustrated because he wants to win, but everybody in the team wants to win.” The Wolves manager expressed his dissatisfaction with Cunha’s behavior, emphasizing the need for a collective effort, especially in such difficult circumstances. “I don’t like this body language,” Pereira continued. “I want someone as a captain trying to help the team – running, suffering, fighting together. This is something I can understand. Next time, I will not understand.”
Pereira’s remarks were clearly directed at Cunha’s lack of visible support for his teammates, particularly in a time when Wolves are fighting to avoid relegation. The manager’s public chastising indicates that Cunha’s attitude has become a concern for the club, and it could impact his future at Wolves if the situation doesn’t improve. His contract situation, paired with this disciplinary issue, has now added another layer of uncertainty surrounding his tenure at Molineux.
Despite these recent issues, Arsenal have long been admirers of Cunha, and rumors have been circulating that the Gunners could make a move for the Brazilian before the end of the January transfer window. With injuries to key attacking players, including Gabriel Jesus’ long-term absence due to an ACL injury, Arsenal are actively seeking reinforcements in attack.
Cunha has the qualities that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta values in a forward. His versatility allows him to operate in various attacking roles, and his skill set could complement the existing attacking players in the squad. As Arsenal continues to push for a top-four finish and compete in various competitions, adding a player like Cunha could provide much-needed depth and competition in the forward areas.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Cunha’s future remains uncertain, and Arsenal are still among the clubs interested in signing the forward before the transfer window closes. Romano commented on the situation, saying, “Cunha’s situation from now until the end of January remains one to watch. A new deal is not formally signed yet, as I reported two days ago. There are clubs showing interest, with Arsenal still keen and not only.”
Romano also highlighted that Cunha’s attitude has become a focal point in the transfer discussion, especially after Pereira’s strong comments regarding the player’s behavior. “Vitor Pereira’s post-match words yesterday were also strong,” Romano noted, pointing out that Cunha’s actions in the Chelsea game could be a catalyst for potential transfer talks.
Pereira himself acknowledged that the rumors linking Cunha to Arsenal might have affected his player’s mindset. “It’s human that the players start to be a little bit… it’s normal in football,” Pereira remarked, indicating that Cunha may be distracted by the transfer speculation and the interest from other clubs, including Arsenal.
Wolves are believed to be valuing Cunha at around €70-80 million, a figure that reflects his potential and importance to the team. The Brazilian forward joined Wolves in the summer of 2023 for a substantial fee, and the club will likely be seeking a significant return on their investment should they decide to part ways with him.
However, with the ongoing injury crisis and the club’s struggles, Wolves may find themselves under pressure to sell players in the winter transfer window to raise funds or shift the squad in a different direction. If Cunha’s attitude continues to be a concern, it could influence the club’s decision to move him on, potentially accelerating talks with interested clubs like Arsenal.
The price tag of €70-80 million could also complicate matters. While Cunha undoubtedly has talent and could add significant value to a club like Arsenal, the Gunners will need to assess whether the price is justifiable given their current squad needs and financial situation. It remains to be seen whether they will be willing to meet Wolves’ asking price or if a deal will be struck at a lower amount, especially considering the Brazilian’s current form and attitude issues.
Arsenal’s pursuit of a new attacker comes in the wake of Gabriel Jesus’ long-term injury, which has left the Gunners short of options up front. The injury to Jesus has been a major blow to Arsenal’s attacking options, as the Brazilian striker has been a key figure for Arteta’s side. Although Eddie Nketiah has stepped up in Jesus’ absence, the team’s lack of depth in the forward areas has been noticeable, particularly in high-stakes matches.
With the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League still on the line for Arsenal, Arteta will be keen to reinforce his squad in the January window. A move for Cunha could provide much-needed cover and competition in attack, as well as a versatile option who can play across multiple positions in the forward line. The signing of a player like Cunha would give Arteta more tactical flexibility and depth, which could prove crucial in the second half of the season.
As January comes to a close, the future of Hwang Hee-chan remains uncertain. The forward’s contract situation, coupled with recent disciplinary issues, has put his time at Wolves in jeopardy. However, his potential move to Arsenal could provide a fresh start for Cunha, who has been a subject of interest from several clubs.
Arsenal’s need for a new attacker, particularly in the wake of Gabriel Jesus’ injury, could make Cunha an attractive option. The Gunners are monitoring the situation closely, and Romano’s recent update suggests that a move could be on the cards before the transfer window closes. With Wolves valuing Cunha at €70-80 million, the deal would likely involve significant negotiation, but the possibility of a transfer remains very much alive.
Ultimately, Cunha’s immediate future will likely depend on his attitude and the outcomes of the ongoing transfer discussions. If he does leave Wolves, Arsenal could be in the running to secure his services, adding a dynamic and versatile forward to their squad for the second half of the season.
