Manchester United are ‘increasingly confident’ of signing West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes ahead of Arsenal this summer, according to The Times.
The Portugal international had a brilliant debut season with the Hammers in the Premier League, but he is widely expected to move on after their top-flight relegation.
United and Arsenal have been closely monitoring his situation, but the Red Devils have stolen a march over the Gunners, who do not want to meet the Hammers’ valuation.
Fernandes would cost up to £80 million. United believe they are in pole position to sign him, though manager Jose Mourinho has requested Real Madrid to pursue a deal for the 21-year-old.
United have a clear upper hand in Fernandes pursuit
The Sporting CP graduate joined the Hammers from Southampton for £40 million last summer.
He was instrumental in the heart of their midfield, winning almost six duels and three tackles per league appearance. Fernandes also made five recoveries on average for the east London outfit.
The midfielder, described as ‘special‘ by West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo, also completed 87 percent of his passes and chipped in with seven goal contributions in the league.
At 21, he has the prime of his career in front of him and should only get better.
Fernandes has excelled as a deep-lying holding midfielder, and he could become the first-choice ahead of incoming signing Ederson to partner Kobbie Mainoo if he were to move to Old Trafford.
Arsenal are also keen admirers but seem unlikely to compete financially for him. The Premier League holders are looking for a rotational midfielder rather than a guaranteed starter in the XI.
Madrid have recently emerged as contenders due to Mourinho’s intervention, but it has been repeatedly claimed that Fernandes is ‘giving priority‘ to the Red Devils over every other club.
Hence, United have a clear upper hand in the pursuit of the player. The price tag is on the higher side, but the current nature of the transfer market means United may have to pay a higher fee.
Still, the Red Devils should bargain hard. A £60m fixed fee with performance add-ons would be ideal.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com