Arsenal are interested in signing West Ham United star Mateus Fernandes ahead of Manchester United this summer.
The former Southampton star has enjoyed a fine season in east London but the Hammers will find it difficult to hold onto one of their prized assets should they fail to avoid relegation.
United will seek to rebuild their midfield this summer with Casemiro’s departure set to leave a gaping in the middle of the park. With Manuel Ugarte’s future also in doubt, it would leave Kobbie Mainoo as their only senior midfield player.
Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba have been under consideration all season with United also holding ambitious interest in Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni.
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Fernandes is rising up that list with United skipper Bruno Fernandes said to have personally recommended his countryman to the club’s decision-makers.
A number of clubs are monitoring the West Ham star, including Paris Saint-Germain. The Times report Arsenal are also weighing up a move as they seek to bolster their own midfield options.
Declan Rice, Martin Zubimedi and Martin Odegaard has been Mikel Arteta’s regular midfield three this season but there has been a need for more depth in the middle of the park.
Odegaard has had a number of injury issues this season with long season taking its toll on Zubimendi with Myles Lewis-Skelly recently called into midfield to provide an alternative option.
Christian Norgaard was signed from Brentford last summer but he has managed just 56 minutes in the Premier League this season.
West Ham signed Fernandes last summer in a deal worth £42million. He has scored four goals and registered three assists in 35 appearances for the Hammers this term.
They currently occupy the final relegation spot, sat in 18th place two points behind Tottenham with team games left to play for both sides.
West Ham’s fate is out of their own hands ahead of their final games away to Newcastle United and at home to Leeds. But they will be hoping for a favour from London rivals Chelsea next Tuesday.