Manchester United appear to have gained a major advantage in the race for West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes, with Real Madrid and Arsenal now reportedly expecting the Red Devils to complete the deal.
According to The Sun, both Madrid and Arsenal are starting to look at alternative targets because they believe United are in the strongest position to land the 21 year old Portugal international.
That is a significant development, especially given how much competition there has been around the midfielder in recent weeks.
West Ham are still demanding around £80m, but United are hoping to negotiate that figure down after the Hammers’ relegation from the Premier League. That could be the key factor in the deal.
West Ham may not want to lose one of their best young players, but their financial situation and Championship status could make a big sale difficult to ignore.
Why Fernandes fits the rebuild at United
For United, Fernandes looks like exactly the type of midfielder they have been trying to add. He is young, technically secure, energetic and already has Premier League experience.
United have needed more control and mobility in midfield for some time, and Fernandes could offer both.
The move would also fit with United’s wider rebuild. The club have already agreed a deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, with Sky Sports reporting the fee at £34m plus add ons.
Adding Fernandes alongside him would give United a very different midfield look going into next season.
Arsenal and Madrid turning elsewhere
Arsenal’s decision to look elsewhere makes sense. Mikel Arteta already has several midfield options and may prefer a different profile or better value deal.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, are still assessing what type of midfielder they want, with other names also being discussed.
Elliot Anderson’s expected move to Manchester City has also changed the market. The Guardian reported that City have already made huge bids for the Nottingham Forest midfielder, making him an unrealistic option for United.
The bottom line
Ederson is already agreed. Fernandes is now the priority. Arsenal and Real Madrid are stepping back.
United’s midfield rebuild is taking shape. Two new faces. A new dynamic. A new look.
The price remains high. But the path looks more open than before.
Fernandes feels like United’s clearest route to a major midfield upgrade. And now they have the edge.
