Mateus Fernandes has been one of West Ham United's star performers since he arrived from Southampton last summer. He can control the midfield and spread the ball across the pitch.
For West Ham, he has scored three goals with three assists in 28 games. With the 21-year-old and the likes of Crysencio Summerville and Jarrod Bowen, Nuno Espirito Santo's side have the chance to get out of the relegation zone and survive in the Premier League.
All of West Ham's top performers are being linked with teams higher up in the division. Fernandes has been linked with Manchester United, but now another top English side reportedly wants him.
According to Fichajes (translated from Spanish), "Arsenal, under the watchful eye of its sporting management, are currently leading the race to secure the services of this emerging talent from Portugal."
It would be a risk for Mateus Fernandes to join Arsenal
Arsenal have a very big squad, which has left new recruits from last summer lacking game time. Christian Norgaard, who was signed from Brentford last summer, has made just 17 appearances in all competitions this season.
Norgaard is a defensive midfielder, while Fernandes favors central and attacking roles. However, Arsenal have the likes of former Hammer Declan Rice and Mikel Merino in central midfield roles. In the attacking midfield position, the Gunners already have the likes of Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze.
Staying at West Ham if they stay in the Premier League, or a move to a different team than Arsenal, would be better for Fernandes' career.
Ekrem Konur posted on X: "Manchester United are stepping up their pursuit of West Ham’s breakout star Mateus Fernandes. The Portuguese midfielder has been on United’s radar since January. West Ham have reportedly set a €65–75M price tag."
United may be a better option for Fernandes. Casemiro will be leaving Old Trafford in the summer, creating a vacancy in central midfield. Also, Mason Mount, who has struggled with injuries since arriving at the club, is being linked with moves away.
At United, Fernandes will likely get more game time than at Arsenal. He would also be able to play alongside his countryman, Bruno Fernandes.