OPINIONMatheus Cunha to Arsenal raises red flags as Edu risks transfer trap and summer consequences

 Arsenal are reportedly considering a move for Atletico Madrid's Matheus Cunha

that sporting director Edu should avoid to dodge the risk of falling into a nostalgic transfer trap.

Arsenal are reportedly considering a move for Atletico Madrid's Matheus Cunha that sporting director Edu should avoid to dodge the risk of falling into a nostalgic transfer trap

Arsenal are reportedly considering a move for Atletico Madrid's Matheus Cunha that sporting director Edu should avoid to dodge the risk of falling into a nostalgic transfer 

Edu, the newly promoted sporting director of Arsenal, has worked successfully to overhaul the squad alongside manager Mikel Arteta, head of football operations Richard Garlick, the owners and his team of scouts and analysts. The Gunners have seen their fortunes soar in the three-plus years of his tenure but as in football is so common things can suddenly change and the Brazilian must avoid the potential traps.

Arteta has outlined on numerous occasions that Arsenal will only accept quality to come through the doors at Arsenal. This perhaps outlines why deals for some players have stalled or simply not been committed to, such as the recently reported Danilo no longer being looked at.

Yet, despite this mindset, The Athletic claim that Arsenal are considering joining the race for Atletico Madrid forward Matheus Cunha. The Brazilian moved to La Liga from Hertha Berlin in 2021 and scored six goals and chipped in with six assists in 29 league games, although was mainly a substitute behind Joao Felix and Antoine Griezmann.

This season the theme has continued and as such the 23-year-old has not yet scored for the Rojiblancos. After being linked with some quality additions this winter, Cunha strikes many as a player who, like at Atleti, would be a bit-part player for the Gunners and seen as a short-term solution to Gabriel Jesus’ injury.

With more than three years remaining on his deal, Simeone would be hoping to get a significant fee for the player. Edu should, in my view, be very cautious about potentially filling a spot in his squad with Cunha.