West Ham star Matheus Fernandes is a target of Arsenal and Manchester United ahead of the summer transfer window, but suitors will have to pay a huge sum
Matheus Fernandes set to leave West Ham (Image: Kevin Hodgson/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
West Ham have slapped an £80m price tag on Matheus Fernandes amid growing interest from Arsenal and Manchester United. Fernandes, 21, is expected to leave the London Stadium following West Ham’s relegation from the Championship.
Despite Irons’ woes, Fernandes consistently impressed with a series of flawless performances, scoring five goals and registering five assists. The midfielder only joined from Southampton last summer in a deal worth up to £42m.
West Ham would like to keep Fernandes, but the lack of funds in the Premier League may leave them with little choice but to sell Fernandes. The Times reports that West Ham will demand £80m for the Portuguese, while Southampton will pay 15% of the fee due to a sell-on clause.
Arsenal have a good relationship with West Ham and are expected to have an advantage in negotiations. Mikel Arteta likes Fernandes’ versatility and is keen to add a technically gifted player to his squad this summer.
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United, meanwhile, are considering a number of different midfielders and are aiming to sign three within the window. The Red Devils are already close to signing Atalanta star Ederson, with Fernandes, Elliott Anderson, Aurelian Choameni and Sandro Tonali also on the shortlist.
Despite making his senior debut for Portugal earlier this year, Fernandes was not included in Roberto Martínez’s final 26-man squad for the World Cup. His future is therefore likely to be decided during pre-season, in contrast to other targets such as England international Morgan Rodgers, who is keen on both Arsenal and United.
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Matheus Fernandes scored five goals and provided five assists last season (Image: Kevin Hodgson/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Aston Villa intend to retain Rodgers, who helped them win the Europa League and finish fourth in the Premier League. However, despite having five years left on his contract, Villa could be under pressure to sell the 23-year-old to comply with UEFA’s financial regulations.
Arsenal have previously considered signing Rodgers, and reports suggest he is open to a move. However, United may have a trump card, as Jason Wilcox was head of Manchester City’s academy when Rodgers was brought to the club, but was to be sold after Wilcox left.
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