Bruno Fernandes is at risk of once again missing out on his dream Manchester United midfield partner, this time to Arsenal.
The Red Devils captain recently admitted he was left gutted after Declan Rice joined the Gunners from West Ham in the summer of 2023. Fernandes had seen the England midfielder as the “perfect fit” for United. But Mikel Arteta persuaded him otherwise.
Now history could be about to repeat itself.
Mateus Fernandes on United’s radar
United are expected to recruit two or three new midfielders once the transfer window opens. One name being linked is 21 year old West Ham star Mateus Fernandes.
The Hammers star is valued at around £50/80m, though that will lower considerably if Nuno Espirito Santo’s team are relegated this season.
The Telegraph reports that Bruno is a strong admirer of his international teammate and namesake, having vouched for his credentials at United.
Yet the captain would be smart not to pin his hopes on another West Ham midfielder arriving. Because Arsenal are circling.
Artemis admires his versatility
It was reported this week that the Premier League leaders are keen on signing Mateus this summer. The Times stated that Arteta admires his versatility, his ability to operate in deeper positions while also offering a threat further forward. Similar to Rice.
Should he make the switch to north London, Mateus would have already won over their supporters. He squandered a glorious chance to put West Ham ahead against Arsenal earlier this month and dent their title ambitions. His effort was kept out by David Raya. Arsenal went on to scrape a 1-0 win.
Rice will claim his first major silverware with the club this weekend. Mateus could be next.
Bruno’s Rice regret laid bare
Fernandes has never hidden his disappointment over Rice’s move three years ago.
“I admire him a lot first of all as a person, because I knew him from the Algarve when we were training together,” Bruno said.
“I knew him already from West Ham and we knew the qualities that he had. I’ve always said that Rice was a player to play for Manchester United and I was really sad when he chose to go to Arsenal.
“I didn’t know if there was the opportunity or the chance for him to come to Manchester United but I always thought that he would be a perfect fit for our club. Not just for the player he is but the person he is, the professional he is. He showed me that. And for his personality.”
The bottom line
Bruno Fernandes has watched Arsenal pluck one West Ham midfielder from his grasp. Now they’re back for another.
United need reinforcements. Mateus Fernandes fits the profile. But Arteta is a fan. And Arsenal have the pull of Champions League football, a title winning project, and Rice himself as a recruiter.
Bruno’s heartbreak could be about to repeat itself. The only question is whether United act fast enough or watch another one get away.
