James Montague -- April 24, 2026
The £62m deal, which could rise to £72m, was confirmed by both clubs in a rare joint statement brokered by agent Jorge Mendes.
Arsenal and Manchester United jointly confirmed on Thursday evening that Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha has completed a transfer to Arsenal for an initial fee of £62 million, rising to £72 million with add-ons. The announcement was made simultaneously by both clubs in identical statements, a coordination brokered by agent Jorge Mendes, who went on record to confirm the deal.
The transfer was finalised ahead of any public reporting, with both clubs releasing the joint statement without prior indication that negotiations had concluded. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had previously indicated he would speak on the matter 'very soon,' while Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim declined to address the subject at his pre-match press conference.
Cunha, who is capable of operating across all three forward positions, joins Arsenal for a fee that club officials are understood to regard as acceptable given the squad's recent transfer activity. The Brazilian is noted for his ability to retain possession under pressure and create scoring opportunities in congested areas.
The deal represents a targeted addition to Arsenal's attacking options. Cunha joins a forward line that has been seeking a player capable of functioning as a disruptive presence in the final third rather than a specialist striker or wide forward.
The fee of £62 million, with the potential to reach £72 million through performance-related add-ons, places the transfer among Arsenal's more significant recent acquisitions.