Arsenal and Aston Villa update as 'extended ban' confirmed

Matheus Cunha: Arsenal and Aston Villa update as ‘extended ban’ confirmed

Matheus Cunha is unlikely to have put off major suitors Arsenal and Aston Villa with his latest outburst at Wolves, sources have told Football Insider.

Cunha, 25, was dismissed in the FA Cup clash with Bournemouth on Saturday (1 March) after controversially hitting out at Cherries star Milos Kerkez and the Wolves star is set for an extended ban.

Earlier this season, Cunha was involved in a clash with an Ipswich Town staff member – an altercation which saw him banned for two matches.

The Brazil international disappointed Wolves fans with his conduct but had scored a fantastic goal earlier in the afternoon to level up the tie.

It is believed attitude checks are part of the due diligence undertaken by clubs – but they are unlikely to put off from signing the attacker after his controversies this term.

Cunha still top target at Arsenal & Aston Villa despite Bournemouth red

Cunha signed a new contract at Molineux earlier this year, but the agreement running until June 2029 includes a release clause worth £62.5million.

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Arsenal, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest were all keen on a potential swoop for the attacker in January but he chose to remain a Wolves player for the time being.

Appearances (Starts) 29 (26) Minutes Played 2376 Goals 15 Assists 4 Red Cards 1 Cunha’s club stats in the 2024-25 campaign (all competitions)

Football Insider revealed last month (4 February) that Cunha is keen to play for a bigger club despite signing the new deal.

Cunha has spearheaded Wolves’ season, scoring 15 goals and notching four assists in 29 games across all competitions.

The former Atletico Madrid star has big ambitions and wants to play Champions League football – so could be on the move in the off-season.

Asensio has already hit four goals for Aston Villa. (Credit: Imago)

Aston Villa plot permanent Marco Asensio move

Meanwhile, former Villa scout Mick Brown has told Football Insider that plans are in place to sign Marco Asensio on a permanent deal.

Asensio’s vast experience across some of Europe’s top teams – including Real Madrid and PSG – is also viewed as a valuable asset to Emery’s side.

Villa’s coaching staff have been impressed with the Spaniard’s performances in the early stages of his loan deal and are already leaning towards making the move permanent.

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