Arsenal are now among the clubs reportedly showing an interest in West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes.
The likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Premier League rivals Manchester United are among other potential suitors for the 21-year-old.
He has made 34 appearances for the Hammers in the Premier League this season, netting three goals and providing three assists as the Irons battle to stay in the top flight.
The Gunners are likely to need reinforcements in central midfield this summer as they are prepared to offload Christian Nørgaard after just one season.
The 32-year-old Danish international has failed to make a significant impact in North London following his move from Brentford as the Gunners now look for other options.
Mateus Fernandes could be Arsenal's next Declan Rice
West Ham United's Mateus Fernandes celebrates scoring vs Sunderland
If the Gunners are able to get a deal over the line once the window opens, it would not be the first time they've done major business with their London rivals.
Declan Rice joined the North London outfit from West Ham for £105m back in 2023. The England international turned 27 in January and still has plenty of years ahead of him.
However, with Fernandes six years his junior - he could become Arsenal's next key central midfielder for years to come.
According to statistics from Data MB, Rice has produced more progressive passes and carries this season, but the 'elite' Fernandes has been better at the defensive work, with more instances of possession won and a higher rate of duels won.
More is required of the £70m-rated Fernandes defensively at West Ham while with Arsenal he would get the chance to show his attacking prowess more.
Speaking about the player, former Liverpool star Jan Molby said of him recently: "I think he’s exceptional, and I mean exceptional. That boy ain’t staying at West Ham, regardless of what happens.
"He’s got it all. He’s mobile. He’s technically very good. He reminds me a bit of the two Portuguese midfielders who run and dominate at PSG. This boy’s the real deal."
Outcome of relegation battle could be major factor in Mateus Fernandes future
West Ham manager Nuno Espirito SantoREUTERS/Dylan Martinez
West Ham are currently 18th in the Premier League table and two points from safety with just two games remaining.
They face Newcastle United away from home this weekend before hosting Leeds United on the final day. Tottenham, meanwhile, travel to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night before hosting Everton in North London in their last fixture.
If the Hammers are relegated, they will find it difficult to keep hold of their top talent with exits almost inevitable for several of their big-name stars.
However, retaining their Premier League status would at least give them a helping hand when it comes to negotiating bigger fees.
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