Premier League academies are closely monitoring teenager Hugo Fernández, with Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea all sounding out the Valencia CF centre-back, according to information published in Spain.
Spanish outlet Esportbase, through journalist Salva Gomis, reports that Fernández has become one of the most discussed names inside elite Premier League academies in recent weeks.
The 18-year-old defender, born in 2008, fits a profile that English clubs actively seek. He is a right-footed centre-back who stands 1.94m tall. In that age group, the report says there is a clear shortage of centre-backs across England.
Manchester United have pushed hardest so far. Arsenal and Chelsea have also made direct approaches. The interest remains at scouting and project level, and clubs have not submitted any formal bids to Valencia yet. Even so, English sides have already presented sporting plans to the player’s camp. They want to outline clear development pathways.
Chelsea have proposed a multi-step project. The plan could include a future loan to Strasbourg, part of the same ownership structure – and this detail matters, as Fernández was born in Paris. Chelsea see this route as a way to manage his transition.
Manchester United ahead of PL rivals
Manchester United
However, it is made clear Manchester United are ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea.
On the pitch, Fernández has impressed this season with Valencia’s youth side. He has started 12 of their 13 league matches so far. In addition, he has already debuted for Valencia Mestalla (the club’s reserve team) and trained with the first team.
Valencia remain calm about the situation. Fernández joined from Real Sociedad two and a half years ago. Since then, his progress has been steady.
He has renewed his contract twice in two years. The current deal runs until June 2027, with an option to extend until 2029. If Fernández decides to leave, Valencia will demand a significant offer. His release clause is high, and any deal must satisfy all parties.