Aston Villa Eyes Matheus Cunha After Losing Durán to Al Nassr

BIRMINGHAM, England — Aston Villa is considering a move for Wolverhampton‘s Matheus Cunha following the sale of Jhon Durán to Al Nassr, according to reports. The club finalized Durán’s transfer for €65 million plus bonuses on Friday and plans to reinvest the funds to bolster Unai Emery‘s squad for their European qualification push.

The Villa Park side could add up to three new players to their Champions League roster due to registration rules. Cunha, valued at approximately €70 million, has over two years remaining on his contract with Wolves. The 25-year-old Brazilian forward has scored 24 goals and provided 11 assists in 71 Premier League appearances.

Villa is also reportedly monitoring João Félix of Chelsea and Marcus Rashford of Manchester United as potential targets. However, Cunha remains a priority as the club seeks to strengthen its attacking options.

Wolverhampton is reluctant to part with Cunha and is attempting to extend his contract. However, a bid in the region of £60 million could force the club to reconsider. The Guardian reports that Villa views Cunha as a suitable replacement for Durán, who is set to join Al Nassr in a deal worth up to £65 million.

Meanwhile, Villa has reaffirmed its commitment to retaining Ollie Watkins despite interest from Arsenal. The Gunners, who are six points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, are seeking a new striker due to Gabriel Jesus‘ injury and Kai Havertz‘s inconsistent form. Watkins is considered vital to Villa’s domestic and European campaigns.

Cunha has been in impressive form this season, scoring 10 goals in 20 Premier League matches. Villa sees him as an ideal candidate to share attacking responsibilities and maintain the team’s competitive edge. However, competition from Arsenal and Wolves’ reluctance to sell could complicate negotiations.