Aston Villa have endured a good start under Unai Emery, with the Spaniard claiming two Premier League wins from three matches before the season halted due to the World Cup.
His immediate thoughts will now surely be on the upcoming January transfer window and asserting his own stamp on the team by adding a couple of new faces to the squad.
Journalist Dean Jones spoke to GIVEMESPORT regarding Villa’s interest in Matheus Cunha, saying: “I know Villa have had talks about Cunha, but Wolves remain ahead of them. Leeds were linked but, to be honest, I haven’t heard they were actually in for him.”
The Brazilian, who joined Atletico for £22m, might be Emery’s dream first signing at Villa and by landing the striker, the 51-year-old could unearth his next Alexandre Lacazette as the two players are comparable via FBref’s similar player model.
This season, the two have registered similar statistics when it comes to shots per match (3.12 to 2.86). However, it’s in the areas they influence play that is most comparable with Cunha taking 14.3 touches in the midfield third of the pitch while Lacazette takes 15.2 in the same third per 90 minutes.
FB Ref also showcases how the pair are willing to do the dirty work with the Atletico ace making 0.95 tackles per 90 to the Lyon striker’s 1.60.
Emery managed the Frenchman when he was at Arsenal and since leaving the north London side in the summer, he has thrived for Lyon, scoring nine Ligue 1 goals as well as grabbing three assists and it looks like he has returned to the form that saw him secure a move to the Premier League.
Cunha has also impressed, ranking in the top 25% across Europe’s big five leagues when it comes to assists (0.96 per 90), shot-creating actions (3.33), and total shots (3.06) over the last year, proving the quality he poses and he could be an excellent signing for Villa.
Not only that, but the Brazilian also offers some excellent defensive support, proving he is more than just an attacking threat. During the last 365 days, the 23-year-old ranks within the top 5% for tackles (1.33 per 90), interceptions (0.47), and blocks (1.40), and this versatility could be a big bonus for Emery.
The £45.5k-per-week gem has also been dubbed “incredible” by former Inter Milan player Paolo Tramezzani and he could certainly become an interesting signing for the club if he moved from La Liga in January.