Manchester United are set to pip Arsenal to the signing of Mateus Fernandes

Manchester United appear set to pip Arsenal to the signing of Mateus Fernandes, an attacking midfielder from West Ham United. The young Portuguese international, aged 21, shone during the past season despite West Ham’s relegation to the Championship.

Nuno Espirito Santo, West Ham’s manager, has not hidden his admiration for the player, telling *Maisfutebol*: “He’s having a fantastic season, works hard and combines talent with discipline.” The rumors are now confirmed: according to *The Times*, the Red Devils are favorites to sign Fernandes for a fee around €80 million. If the deal goes through, Fernandes would become Manchester United’s second summer midfield signing, following the agreement reached for Ederson from Atalanta. The move has been welcomed by observers, especially as Casemiro left the club at the end of his contract and Manuel Ugarte failed to impress during his time at Old Trafford. The Manchester hierarchy appears to have acted swiftly to address these gaps. The €80 million fee may seem high, but the transfer market has changed dramatically. Smaller clubs are now unafraid to demand colossal sums for their talents. For comparison, Nottingham Forest is reportedly seeking up to €120 million for Elliot Anderson, according to the BBC. In this context, Fernandes would represent a more reasonable deal for Manchester United, saving them €40 million. Despite his potential, the Portuguese midfielder remains inexperienced: he has played only two Premier League seasons, both ending in relegation with his respective clubs. His ability to adapt to a new challenge—this time at the top of the table—will be closely watched. As for Arsenal, which was also targeting Fernandes, the club will now have to look elsewhere, possibly eyeing Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali.