West Ham United are keen on a deal to sign Southampton sensation Mateus Fernandes to bolster their midfield, according to ExWHUEmployee.
The Hammers have had an interesting summer transfer window so far as Graham Potter looks to put his stamp on the squad, with star forward Mohammed Kudus sold to Tottenham for around £55m while the club have completed a deal to sign left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf this week.
But with cash in the bank now following Kudus' exit, the club are stepping up their efforts to bring in more new faces and midfield is an area being targeted.
West Ham Want to Sign Mateus Fernandes
Southampton could sell after relegation
Mateus Fernandes
Fernandes, who has been described as "the ultimate Premier League midfielder" by former midfielder Joe Tessem, was one of the shining lights for the Saints in the top-flight during the 2024/25 Premier League season despite their relegation.
His performances have attracted the attention of several sides this summer, and West Ham are taking a serious interest in his situation according to well-known club insider Ex.
Manager Potter and head of recruitment Kyle Macauley are said to be big admirers of the Portugal Under-21 international, and there is hope that a deal can be struck with the Championship outfit, although it's unclear what they will demand for him having only signed him last summer from Sporting CP in a deal worth £15m.
Mateus Fernandes 24/25 Season Stats for Southampton
Competition
Premier League
League Cup
FA Cup
It has previously been reported that Leeds United also hold an interest in the midfielder, while reports in Portugal suggest that the Saints want around £30m to let him depart.
But West Ham have a strong relationship with the club after deals for Flynn Downes and James Ward-Prowse in recent transfer windows, and the hope would be that they can use that to bring him in if a deal is regarded as realistic.
West Ham are also likely to move for a new defender and forward after Vladimir Coufal, Aaron Cresswell, Danny Ings and Michail Antonio were all released from their contracts at the end of the season.
Sign up to The GIVEMESPORT Reportto get exclusive daily updates from Fabrizio Romano, Ben Jacobs, Dean Jones and Tom Bogert sent straight to your inbox.
All statistics courtesy of WhoScored - correct as of 16/07/2025.
West Ham United head coach Graham Potter Related
Exclusive: £40m Star 'Showing No Interest' in Joining West Ham
West Ham United transfer target Harvey Elliott has stopped short of indicating that he wants to head to the London Stadium from Liverpool