- Interest in West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes continues to grow
- Manchester United and Arsenal have both been credited with interest
- Jose Mourinho wants Fernandes to join him at Real Madrid
West Ham United will have been braced for an active transfer window following their relegation from the Premier League, with some of their star players attracting interest from across Europe. Few players have seen their stock increase as rapidly as Mateus Fernandes.
Fernandes, 21, has emerged as one of the few bright spots in an otherwise poor season, combining technical acumen and tenacity. His performances have not gone unnoticed, and West Ham now faces an enticing prospect of igniting a tug-of-war between chasing clubs.
Manchester United have intensified their chase of the Portuguese international as they seek to revamp their midfield department, while Premier League champions Arsenal have also been linked with a transfer. According to reports, West Ham have set an £80 million price on the former Sporting CP academy graduate, citing rising demand for his services.
Jose Mourinho wants Mateus Fernandes to join him at Real Madrid
According to Madrid-based journalist Ramon Alvarez, José Mourinho wants countryman Fernandes to join Real Madrid as the Portuguese coach continues to shape his vision ahead of a mooted return to the Santiago Bernabéu. The Benfica boss is reported to be a growing fan of the midfield metronome, seeing him as an ideal player to replace Aurélien Tchouaméni, should he leave, and capable of flourishing on one of football’s biggest stages.
Fernandes’ ascent has been phenomenal. After excelling during a tough season at Southampton, he joined West Ham last summer in a deal worth £38m plus £4m in add-ons and soon established himself as one of the Premier League’s top talents.
West Ham’s financial plight following relegation has only fuelled fears of a squad exodus. The club are expected to make major player sales this summer, with Fernandes alongside club captain Bowen considered their most marketable asset. While the Hammers would wish to retain him, an increasing number of suitors makes a stay unlikely despite four years left on his contract.
The next few weeks could be crucial in the Fernandes saga. If Real are to appease Mourinho’s reported demands, then a transfer tug-of-war could be sparked for a player whose demands are reaching an insatiable level.
