Football transfer news reporter Fabrizio Romano has provided the latest updates from the ever-active world of the market, with surprising news regarding Matheus Cunha, Christopher Nkunku, and a setback for Manchester United.
Cunha’s Release Clause Revealed
Matheus Cunha may have signed a new contract with Wolverhampton Wanderers, but that doesn’t mean he will remain with the Molineux club beyond the summer, as Romano has announced that the Brazil international has a release clause that makes him a viable target.
Romano confirmed the interest of Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, Chelsea, and Manchester United in Cunha for the winter transfer window, and says these clubs have a chance to sign him again in the summer.
“We know that Arsenal have had Cunha on their list for a long time, but they wanted to save a big amount of money for a different kind of player, a proper No.9 in the summer,” Romano said. “So Arsenal’s interest was there, but it was never something that they were prepared to do in the January transfer window.”
“Then there was interest also from more clubs. Nottingham Forest, they wanted to try to make a very big, crazy proposal for Matheus Cunha, but Wolves were insisting that the player was not for sale and he had to extend his contract.”
“And then, there was also some calls in December, before the January transfer window, from Manchester United, who wanted to be informed on the situation of the player. He could be an interesting profile of those who can play behind the striker in the football area of Ruben Amorim.”
Now Cunha stays, he has signed a deal until 2029, but there is a release clause. And the release clause is worth £62.5 million. It is available for all clubs. So in summer 2025, Cunha has a concrete chance to leave Wolves because the clause is active. It is really interesting to many clubs.
Nkunku Didn’t Request to Leave Chelsea
In the case of Chelsea attacker Christopher Nkunku, Romano has revealed that the player never requested to leave the club – unlike teammate Joao Felix.
“Christopher Nkunku, at the end of January, was very clear with Chelsea,” Romano said. “No chance of leaving in January on loan. Permanent transfer, he would consider Bayern Munich and Man Utd, but not on loan. So it was a permanent move or nothing.”
Nkunku didn’t go to Enzo Maresca and ask him to leave.
– Fabrizio Romano
“But Nkunku didn’t go to Enzo Maresca and ask him to leave. This is something that, for example, Joao Felix did.
“If Chelsea accepted a proposal, Nkunku was open. Otherwise, he was very happy to stay and fight for his place.
“Now the second half of the season will be really important. If there’s no space for him, my expectation for Nkunku is that a he will be a big name to watch in the summer transfer window. Bayern Munich will be there and let’s see what Man Utd will do.”
Man Utd Miss Out on Nuno Mendes
Manchester United have missed out on their dream left-back target, Nuno Mendes.
“It’s game over between Manchester United and Nuno Mendes,” Romano announced. “PSG internally always maintained their stance: Nuno will extend, Nuno will put pen to paper.”
Nuno has signed a new deal until 2030 at Paris Saint-Germain, with his salary putting him among the best-paid players at the club. PSG have also extended the contract of manager Luis Enrique until 2027 and signed new deals for Achraf Hakimi and Vitinha.
Grealish’s Future at Manchester City
Manchester City’s January business is set to have a knock-on effect in the summer, with Jack Grealish now looking likely to leave.
“Grealish is giving his best for Manchester City. He’s not desperate to leave the club. He’s not creating issues or a problem. He’s a top professional,” Romano said. “But in terms of the future, we have to be attentive to the situation of Jack Grealish, because in case of good proposal for the player and for the club in the summer, there is a chance for him to go.”
“He’s no longer untouchable for Manchester City, and it’s a situation to watch for the summer transfer window. Again, at the moment we can’t mention clubs, because at the moment there is nothing really concrete, but it’s just a feeling internally in Manchester City that there could be some movement in that position with Jack Grealish potentially involved.”
