Ian Wright has confessed his longing to see Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes don the Arsenal shirt.
Despite a domestically challenging season for the Red Devils, Fernandes, 30, has led from the front, keeping their European aspirations alive. United are still in with a shot at Champions League football, courtesy of their progression to the Europa League final, while Arsenal have had to endure another campaign without silverware.
The transfer window is already looking promising for Arsenal, as they are reportedly poised to secure Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi, while Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres also appears to be in reach. Nonetheless, Wright, who has backed Fernandes amidst Roy Keane’s criticism, would be particularly thrilled if Arsenal turned their transfer attention towards the Portuguese sensation.
On the Stick to Football podcast, Wright said: "I wish we had Bruno Fernandes. I wish we had Bruno. I would love to have him at Arsenal."
The former Arsenal forward has consistently come to the defence of the United captain against Keane’s jibes. After Wright backed Fernandes on last month's podcast episode, the ex-United captain said: "Ah Wrighty, I've had enough of that rubbish!
"You watch United every week, we focus more on United. Sit and watch a game with him! People pretend to be closing people down.
"Talent is not enough! You keep going back to talent - Bruno's a talented player, but it's not enough! Who were you in the dressing room with, Tony Adams! Tony Adams was this, Tony Adams was that, because he was a fighter!
"You've got young players who have to look at somebody and go, 'I like what he does.' They all can't put the ball in the top of the net from 25 yards, I get that, but you want someone who's going, 'Lads, are you with me? Are you with me?'"
Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United argues with the referee during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Manchester United FC at Stamford Bridge on May 16, 2025 in London, England
Wright is a huge admirer of Fernandes (Image: Getty Images)
Wright informed Keane that drawing parallels between current skippers like Fernandes and old-school leaders such as Adams might be misplaced, adding: "Maybe he's not that kind of captain, Roy, I'm with you, but what he's doing in respect of... saving you, playing that pass, the goal. If Bruno's not there, United are in the relegation battle."
Despite Wright's esteem for Fernandes, it seems improbable for the Gunners to pursue him. Arteta's squad already boasts Martin Odegaard and they're prompting Declan Rice to push forward more too.
The potential addition of Zubimendi may also give Odegaard and Rice extra freedom to attack, while also offering Kai Havertz more opportunities to play in the so-called 'No.10' position, behind a striker of Gyokeres' profile. Moreover, the likelihood of United sanctioning a deal with Arsenal for a pivotal player like Fernandes is rather slim.
Mikel Arteta manager / head coach of Arsenal consoles Martin Odegaard of Arsenal after being knocked out during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final Second Leg match between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal FC at Parc des Princes on May 7, 2025 in Paris, France
Arteta currently has Odegaard as an attacking midfielder (Image: Getty Images)
His contract is set to run until the summer of 2027, yet there seems to be no indication that he's seeking a move away from Old Trafford. However, the Daily Star reported in late March that Real Madrid had their eyes on the midfielder and were contemplating a surprising £90million bid.
Should United suffer defeat in the final in Bilbao on Wednesday, then Fernandes, who has been with the club since January 2020, will have to confront the prospect of another season without Champions League football, despite his undeniable talent. United's campaign has been disappointing, but he has still managed to rack up 19 goals and 19 assists across all competitions.
The former Sporting midfielder's stats significantly outshine those of Odegaard, who has found it challenging to match his performances from the 2023/24 season. The Norwegian has only netted five goals and provided 11 assists, a stark contrast to his previous season's tally of 11 goals and 12 assists.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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