Mateus Fernandes has been given the 'green light' to leave West Ham United following their relegation from the Premier League, according to TEAMtalk.
The Hammers need to sell a handful of players after dropping out of the top flight, with the club required to raise as much as £150million through player sales.
Fernandes is attracting interest from several Premier League sides, with Manchester United in talks over a move to sign the Portuguese star.
The 21-year-old joined West Ham last summer from Southampton, after the Saints were relegated. He still has four years left on his contract at the London Stadium and the Irons are not willing to let him go for cheap.
West Ham want £80m for Mateus Fernandes
Mateus Fernandes
According to TEAMtalk, West Ham will demand £80million to sell the 'elite' Fernandes this summer.
A fee in that region would smash the Championship transfer record, which currently stands at £53million following Romeo Lavia's move to Chelsea from Southampton three years ago.
But Manchester United could see their move to sign Fernandes hijacked by Arsenal.
The Gunners have already made contact with the Hammers about a move for the player and are weighing up making a formal bid. While the Irons want £80million for the midfielder, offers are expected to be in the region of £60million.
Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in the player.
Former Liverpool player Jan Molby branded Fernandes as an 'exceptional' player who has 'got it all' and believes the midfielder is the 'real deal'.
Mateus Fernandes can make Arsenal stronger
West Ham United's Mateus Fernandes celebrates scoring vs Sunderland
Fernandes was predominantly used as a central midfielder for West Ham last season but can play in a more attacking role, as well as a defensive one too.
Declan Rice is one of the first names on the team-sheet at Arsenal but there is room for Fernandes to force his way into Mikel Arteta's starting XI, if the Gunners make a move.
Martin Zubimendi impressed during the first half of the campaign but his performances started to drop off in the final months. Martin Odegaard is captain at Arsenal but the Norwegian has been troubled by persistent injury problems.
Arsenal will be keen to build on their Premier League title win and go one better in the Champions League after losing to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties last weekend.
Fernandes might not start every game if he moved to the Emirates Stadium but he would give Arteta an incredibly-strong rotation option who can play in any position in Arsenal's midfield three.
If the Gunners want to retain their title and challenge on more fronts, having two quality players in almost every position will give them the best chance of winning more trophies next term.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta celebrates Champions League semi-final win over Atletico Madrid Related
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