Matheus Cunha has made his future plans clear, stating: “I need to take that next step”.
The Wolves star is set to be one of the most in-demand stars in the Premier League this summer with the prospect of a big-money switch on the cards.
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Cunha has made his future plans very clearCredit: Getty
Arsenal have expressed an interest in Cunha – with a striker being the Gunners’ top priority this summer amid long-term injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
Forest made enquiries for Cunha in January but Wolves were adamant they were not prepared to sell.
The Brazilian forward penned a new contract at Molineux to dampen the interest in his services but addressing his future, Cunha told the Guardian that he hopes to move on.
“I had a lot of offers but I wouldn’t feel well if I had done it,” he said.
““Some things you can’t control but I couldn’t leave the club in the middle of the season, in a difficult situation, in the relegation zone.
“Now, we’re close to achieving our goal [of staying up]. But I’ve made it clear that I need to take the next step.
“I want to fight for titles, for big things. I have potential.”
Despite looking to move on, Cunha opened up about the love he’s felt since leaving Atletico Madrid for Wolves in January 2023.
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Cunha has been a shining star since joining Wolves two years agoCredit: Getty
“Sometimes all we want in life is affection,” Cunha says.
“People think we have everything, but we’re human beings, too. We need a bit of understanding – we have our difficulties.
“Wolves gave me that joy back. The fans [have given] me a lot.
“The status I have today, the player I am now and the happiness I’m feeling, it’s because of them. I’m really grateful to Wolves.”
Paying special credit to Wolves boss Gary O’Neil, Cunha said: “Gary understood me completely.
“He came in and said: ‘Man, I think you’re an incredible person, but you need affection. And I’m going to give you affection. I’m going to complain when I need to complain, but I’m almost going to be family for you.’
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He’ll be hoping to leave Wolves on a highCredit: Getty
“When someone sees something in you beyond the player, it touches you.
“These conversations and these lessons were of great importance in my life.”
Nottingham Forest are plotting a club record move for Matheus Cunha if they qualify for the Champions League, talkSPORT understands.
Forest made enquiries for Cunha in January but Wolves were adamant they were not prepared to sell.
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Cunha has scored 13 goals in 26 Premier League games for Wolves this seasonCredit: Getty
The Brazilian has since signed a new contract at Molineux with a £62million release clause that kicks in this summer.
Elliott Anderson is currently Forest’s most expensive player ever at £35m.
Nuno Espirito Santo has sensationally guided the Tricky Trees to third place in the Premier League with nine matches remaining.
They are seven points clear of sixth-place Newcastle, with England’s top five clubs set to qualify for next season’s Champions League in the current UEFA co-efficient rankings.
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Wolves, meanwhile, are still looking over their shoulders in 17th place, with nine points separating them from the drop zone.
Their next two matches – against West Ham and relegation rivals Ipswich – could all-but seal survival.
However, star man Cunha will play no part in either fixture after being given an extended four-match ban and a £50,000 fine for violent conduct during the FA Cup defeat at Bournemouth.
Arsenal have expressed an interest in Cunha – with a striker being the Gunners’ top priority this summer amid long-term injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
Cunha has been a revelation for Wolves this season despite his disciplinary issues
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Nottingham Forest and Wolves are competing at opposite ends of the table
In front of goal, Cunha has been crucial to Wolves’ survival bid, scoring 13 times in 26 games and grabbing four assists.
Since joining from Atletico Madrid in 2023, the Brazil international has 27 goals in the top-flight.
Forest, meanwhile, have been inspired by the outstanding form of striker Chris Wood – who is fourth in this season’s Golden Boot race behind Mohamed Salah, Erling Haaland and Alexander Isak.
The 33-year-old has played every match for Forest in the Premier League this campaign, netting 18 times.
Speaking after the most recent 4-2 win over Ipswich, Espirito Santo insisted there is still a long way to go before Forest secure a most unlikely Champions League spot.
“You know what I think about the table,” Nuno said.
“What we have to do is focus on ourselves. Work as much as we can because there is a lot of football to be played yet.”
TNT have 52 live Premier League matches this season, but during a few previous matchweeks, they decided not to choose a game, meaning they have some extra slots for the remainder of the campaign.
They’ve used one of them to pick this match, which at the time of it being chosen, looked to be potentially important in the relegation battle.
However, since then, both sides have pulled away from the bottom three, with Everton 15 points clear and ten above Wolves.
Still, this fixture is set for 8pm because Sky Sports have the 5:30pm spot on weekends, and they are showing Brentford vs Aston Villa.
The match was originally meant to take place on the same day at 3pm, but due to it being selected for TV coverage, it has been moved.
Luckily, the journey from Liverpool to Wolverhampton isn’t too bad for the travelling supporters, but 8pm kick-offs on Saturdays can still be frustrating for match-going supporters.
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Wolves will be without star man Matheus Cunha after he was sent off in the FA Cup against BournemouthCredit: Getty
Wolves vs Everton: talkSPORT coverage
This Premier League game is set to take place on Saturday, March 8.
Kick-off at Molineux is scheduled for 8pm.
talkSPORT will have live and exclusive coverage of this fixture, with Faye Carruthers serving as your presenter.
Commentary will come from Ian Danter and former West Ham striker Dean Ashton.
Wolves star Jose Sa believes the Premier League’s latest rule change regarding goalkeepers is ‘strange’ as he questioned why corners will be given.
Starting from next season, shot-stoppers will be penalised if they hold onto the ball for longer than eight seconds.
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Jose Sa has described the rule change as ‘strange’Credit: Getty
If they do so, a corner will be awarded to the attacking team.
At present, Law 12.2 states that a goalkeeper has six seconds to release the ball before the opposing team is awarded an indirect free-kick.
While the rule has been introduced to prevent goalkeepers from timewasting, Sa says that the change is a little bit confusing.
Speaking exclusively to talkSPORT, the Wolves No. 1 said: “It’s strange because you have the ball in your hand and it’s a corner.
“I agree, an indirect free-kick would make more sense, but for me it’s what they want.
“We just need to follow the rules.
“It’s not difficult to just not keep the ball so many seconds into your hand. It’s okay.”
The new eight-second goalkeeper rule will come into force from July 1.
It will be implemented at every level of the game worldwide, including the Premier League and all levels of the English football pyramid.
Fans will get their first glimpse of the new rule at this summer’s Club World Cup.
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Wolves goalkeeper Sa has kept five clean sheets from 20 Premier League games this term
Reflecting on the rule change, former England goalkeeper Rob Green remarked: “Back in the day there was the six-second rule and that has slowly faded away – I don’t know why – I think that was enough of a deterrent.
“Maybe they are thinking the punishment being a bit more lenient may get things going.
“It seems a strange one to reintroduce, but if we can get more football in the 90 minutes then I’m all for it.
“As a percentage there’s only around a four per cent chance of scoring from a corner so it isn’t that much of a threat.
“But at the end of the game, the last thing your team-mates want to do is defend a set-piece if you’re winning.
“I think we see it every year, they will implement it right from the start, but in a couple of years’ time we may be having this same conversation.”
TNT have 52 live Premier League matches this season, but during a few previous matchweeks, they decided not to choose a game, meaning they have some extra slots for the remainder of the campaign.
They’ve used one of them to pick this match, which at the time of it being chosen, looked to be potentially important in the relegation battle.
However, since then, both sides have pulled away from the bottom three, with Everton 15 points clear and ten above Wolves.
Still, this fixture is set for 8pm because Sky Sports have the 5:30pm spot on weekends, and they are showing Brentford vs Aston Villa.
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Wolves will be without star man Matheus Cunha after he was sent off in the FA Cup against BournemouthCredit: Getty
The match was originally meant to take place on the same day at 3pm, but due to it being selected for TV coverage, it has been moved.
Luckily, the journey from Liverpool to Wolverhampton isn’t too bad for the travelling supporters, but 8pm kick-offs on Saturdays can still be frustrating for match-going supporters.
Wolves vs Everton: talkSPORT coverage
This Premier League game is set to take place on Saturday, March 8.
Kick-off at Molineux is scheduled for 8pm.
talkSPORT will have live and exclusive coverage of this fixture, with Faye Carruthers serving as your presenter.
Commentary will come from Ian Danter and former West Ham striker Dean Ashton.
Wolves talisman Matheus Cunha left his side a man down and out of the FA Cup with a bizarre last minute red card.
With the match level and heading into extra-time stoppage-time, the Brazilian forward lashed out at Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez in shocking scenes.
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Cunha gave the referee no choiceCredit: AFP
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He’d earlier scored a stunner to keep his side aliveCredit: Getty
The Hungarian defender pulled at his shirt and Cunha lashed out with his arms, gifting Kerkez the opportunity to hit the deck, and then he was put back there from a headbutt after standing back up.
Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams had to wrestle the Wolves captain away, and the referee had a simple decision to send him off.
That left Wolves a man down for the shootout, with Cunha playing his part in getting them there.
His earlier equaliser in the 60th minute, cancelling out Evanilson’s opener to force extra time.
And what a goal it was, too, as he beat the keeper from 30 yards with a sweet strike into the top corner for his 15th of the season in all competitions.
Yet with their best player missing, Wolves couldn’t get the job done from the spot and crashed out in dramatic scenes.
Dean Huijsen missed for the hosts to give Wolves a shoot-out advantage, but Matt Doherty then did the same to force sudden death.
There, Boubacar Traore missed again for Wolves, sending the visitors out when Cunha could well have been crucial in the shoot-out.
Cunha has been the difference for Vitor Pereira’s side this season, scoring 15 goals and managing four assists.
Yet they’ll now have to do with their talisman for an extended period thanks to two reasons.
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The referee won’t have an easier decision all seasonCredit: Rex
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He’s earlier scored a stunner to level things up
One is the headbutt being violent conduct, and the other his that the 25-year-old has already been suspended this season.
In December he was handed a three-match ban, reduced to two, for pulling off an Ipswich staff member’s glasses during a touchline scrap.
With that factored in, Cunha is expected to miss at least four games, which are Everton, Southampton, West Ham and Ipswich.
Thanks to Cunha it looked like Wolves were pulling out of the relegation picture, but without their star man the five-point gap to the bottom three could well start to disappear.
As for Bournemouth, the Champions League-chasing Cherries are now through to the FA Cup quarter finals for only the third time in their history, and look well on course for one of their greatest-ever seasons.
Ange Postecoglou‘s men thrashed Pep Guardiola‘s side 4-0 at the Etihad in late 2024 before enduring a terrible run of form.
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However, with a few players back from injury, Spurs have won their last three league fixtures.
Meanwhile, City have slightly improved in recent weeks, but a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday showed just how far away they are from being back to their best.
Still, they are well in the race for Champions League football, and three points here would be huge.
Elsewhere, Arsenal travel to Nottingham Forest, knowing that the Tricky Trees can move just three points behind them with a win.
The Gunners’ title challenge for this season is all but over after a 1-0 defeat to West Ham at the weekend.
Liverpool then beat City to take an 11-point lead over Mikel Arteta‘s men.
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It has been a season to forget for Guardiola
Of course, Arsenal players will insist the title race isn’t over, but it would require an almighty slip-up from Liverpool for this to even be a possibility now.
Instead, the Gunners just have to ensure they claim Champions League football and second place.
Meanwhile, Forest have lost their last two in the Premier League to Fulham and Newcastle, respectively.
But Nuno Espirito Santo will be encouraged by his team’s comeback at St James’ Park at the weekend, where they came from 4-1 down to narrowly lose 4-3.
Certainly, this won’t be an easy game for Arsenal.
Arsenal’s hopes of winning the Premier League are basically goneCredit: AFP
The Reds have one hand on the Premier League trophy now, but Arne Slot will want his side to keep being relentless.
The chance of a treble is there, but the Toon gave Liverpool a very hard game when they met earlier this season.
At St James’ Park, these two served up a thrilling 3-3 draw, and Eddie Howe‘s men will be looking to make a statement ahead of the Carabao Cup final meeting between the two later this month.
On Tuesday, we have Chelsea taking on Southampton, with the Blues looking to bounce back from their 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa.
There is a south coast derby between Brighton and Bournemouth, which promises to be full of goals.
Wolves are edging away from the relegation places, and they welcome Fulham.
Meanwhile, resurgent Crystal Palace host Aston Villa, with Unai Emery‘s side looking to close the gap on those above them chasing European football.
The Bees couldn’t stop winning at home in the first part of the season but are winless in five league matches at the Gtech, while Everton are finding some form under David Moyes.
And on Thursday, Graham Potter will hope to see West Ham build on their brilliant win over Arsenal, while Leicester must bounce back from being thrashed by Brentford.
So, there are plenty of excellent fixtures, and here is how you can follow them all across the talkSPORT network.
Premier League gameweek 27 fixtures
Tuesday, February 24
7:30pm: Brighton vs Bournemouth – talkSPORT App exclusive
7:30pm: Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa – talkSPORT 2 exclusive
7:30pm: Wolves vs Fulham – talk exclusive
8:15pm: Chelsea vs Southampton – talkSPORT exclusive
Wednesday, February 25
7:30pm: Brentford vs Everton – talkSPORT App exclusive
7:30pm: Manchester United vs Ipswich – talkSPORT App exclusive
7:30pm: Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal – talkSPORT exclusive
7:30pm: Tottenham vs Manchester City – talkSPORT 2 exclusive
8:15pm: Liverpool vs Newcastle – talk exclusive (second half on talkSPORT)
Thursday, February 27
8:00pm: West Ham vs Leicester – talkSPORT exclusive
Tottenham have hijacked Wolves’ deal to sign Kevin Danso on a permanent basis, talkSPORT understands.
Wolves looked to be close to landing the Lens defender on loan, but Ange Postecoglou’s side have swooped in at the last minute to snatch him from their grasp.
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Danso is set to join Tottenham from Lens in a deal worth around £21millionCredit: Getty
So advanced was Danso’s deal with Vitor Pereira’s side, he was due to fly into England on Sunday to undergo a medical with the club.
But the club have now been told that the player will instead be making a move to north London.
Tottenham have agreed a deal worth around £21milliion for Danso, who will sign a contract until 2030, with a medical to take place on Sunday.
The 26-year-old had already been linked with a number of sides across Europe, including Juventus, Rennes and Aston Villa.
News of Tottenham’s late move will have undoubtedly soured the mood at Molineux following their impressive 2-0 win over Villa on Saturday evening.
Goals from Matheus Cunha and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde handed the Black Country outfit a vital three points in their bid to stave off relegation.
Tottenham’s desire for a new centre-back has been well-documented.
Spurs had made advances on Milan centre-back Fikayo Tomori, but the former Chelsea star opted to remain in Italy.
Postecoglou’s side had also made a move for out-of-favour Chelsea defender Axel Disasi.
But the late play for Danso all but confirms the end of Tottenham’s interest in the ex-Monaco star.
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Danso gives Postecoglou some much-needed help at the backCredit: Getty
Should Danso’s move to Tottenham come to fruition, it would mark a return to England given he began his career with Reading and MK Dons at academy level as well as a loan spell at Southampton in the 2019/20 season.
The Austrian international joined Bundesliga outfit Augsburg in 2014 and went on to make 44 appearances in all competitions for the club.
He left in the summer of 2021 for Lens and quickly made himself a key member of the team.
Danso has made just shy of 130 appearances for the French side, six of which came in the Champions League last term.
Danso will provide some much-needed defensive reinforcements for Postecoglou, who has largely been forced to put square pegs in round holes just to field a backline.
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Postecoglou and Tottenham are sweating over the extent of Dragusin’s knee injuryCredit: AFP
Cristian Romero remains sidelined with a thigh injury while fellow centre-back Radu Dragusin was forced off with a knee complaint in Tottenham’s 3-0 win in the Europa League over Elfsborg on Thursday.
Worryingly, Postecoglou was unable to provide a timeline for Dragusin’s return.
Luckily for Postecoglou, star centre-back Micky van de Ven made it through the first half against Elfsborg unscathed following his return from injury.
The PGMOL have announced that police are investigating threats and abuse sent to referee Michael Oliver.
Oliver controversially sent off Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly during their 1-0 win at Wolves on Saturday.
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Oliver has been subjected to abuse, the PGMOL have saidCredit: Getty
Lewis-Skelly tripped Matt Doherty, who was breaking away after a Gunners corner, and was shown a straight red card for the offence.
The Premier League match centre said: “The referee’s call of a red card for Lewis-Skelly was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed his challenge to have been serious foul play.”
The PGMOL have since released a statement condemning abuse that has been sent to Oliver following the decision.
“We are appalled by the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver following the Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal fixture,” the PGMOL said.
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“No official should be subject to any form of abuse, let alone the abhorrent attacks aimed at Michael and his family over the past 24 hours.
“The police are aware, and a number of investigations have commenced. We are supporting Michael, and all those affected, and are determined to tackle this unacceptable behaviour.
“Sadly, this is not the first time a match official has been forced to deal with threats in recent times. We will continue to support all investigations.”
Daily Mail reporter Mike Keegan posted on X saying Oliver has a young family and the abuse has included ‘death threats, comments about children and claims to know his address’.
Speaking to talkSPORT on Sunday, former PGMOL head Keith Hackett claimed that Oliver needs a two-week rest.
“I’d be admitting this morning that this is a major error, that you don’t expect the alleged number one referee to make.
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Oliver showed a contentious red card for Lewis-SkellyCredit: Getty
“He’s on top of the incident. I think he’s too close and so I think he requires operational advice.
“I’d be saying to Michael Oliver, I think you need a rest and I think you’re not going to see another game in the Premier League for a couple of weeks. That’s the first action.”
“Ultimately, the referee takes responsibility,” he added when asked if VAR should have taken responsibility.
“I admit, and I’m very clear, that VAR did not do what VAR should do. This was a clear and obvious error. It wasn’t serious foul play.
“I cannot believe that Darren England on VAR didn’t come in and help Michael Oliver. That’s the first point.
“But let’s get back to Michael Oliver initially, because he’s the guy in charge. We know that the process of refereeing is; to see, recognise, think, and then act.
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Oliver is one of the most experienced referees in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
“It was instant. It was too instant. He needed to have a thought process that runs through and visualise that incident, give himself time, milliseconds, before he makes this major error.
“Now, Darren England? Well, Darren England’s allocated a game this afternoon, Crystal Palace.
“So as VAR, he would not be on that game. I’m quite clear that there needs to be seen to be a level of accountability.
“More than that, you need to take these guys out of the oven, no matter what level they’re at, and give them the appropriate operational advice.
“Talk through that incident, give them time to think through it, and then determine how they could make an error in law.”
Fanatics have announced they will be opening their first-ever global flagship store ahead of a stunning new Premier League deal.
The shop will be located on the iconic Regent Street, showcasing the brand to a footfall of around 70 million people when it opens in spring.
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Fanatics will be hosting more events with athletes like Dominic Solanke at their new Regent Street storeCredit: Topps
It marks a big step as Fanatics look to expand further into Europe having dominated America as a $25billion behemoth.
The store, which will showcase the brand’s collectibles which cover UEFA club competitions, including the Champions League, MLB, NBA, WWE, UFC, Formula 1 and more.
Fanatics last year announced that they had beaten Panini to the rights for Premier League trading cards and stickers, which will be made under the Topps brand it bought in 2022.
That deal will begin in June, and their new store in London will allow fans from around the world to enjoy a new interactive community space.
The store will include an a state-of-the-art breaking studio, where creators can open packs and boxes for their audiences, interactive customer education touchpoints, and a personal card creation suite
There will also a central display of the rarest and most-desirable cards, all with a giant suspended circular screen above.
The space, as well as selling collectibles has hosted events, including a night with Tottenham star Dominic Solanke and Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo.
The pair known for their love of collectibles opened boxes of Topps products with fans and creators for an unforgettable experience.
And there will be more of the same to come at the Regent Street store.
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The new store will span 803 square meters (8,647 square feet)Credit: Fanatics
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The breakers studio will allow interactive events within the storeCredit: Fanatics
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The Fanatics store will take pride of place on Regent StreetCredit: Fanatics
“We are incredibly excited to cut the ribbon on this amazing community-building retail space, one that we hope will delight collectors and be a true home for the hobby in Europe,” said Topps President of Trading Cards, David Leiner.
“It’ll be a destination for millions of fans as well as our own internal partners – and team and club partners, the latter using our dedicated space to launch and showcase new products in a way that has never been done before.”
While the store will, in the most part target the enormous trading market, there is going to be plenty more to do and buy.
Apparel from Toppsand Fanatics-owned Mitchell & Ness, will be on sale as well as memorabilia, such as signed kits, jerseys, balls and other equipment.
There will also entertainment stock on sale after the recent success of Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, Garbage Pail Kids, Stranger Things products.
Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo left stunned after he packs himself in Topps cards
