Manchester United leads race for West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes

Manchester United have emerged as the front‑runner to sign 21‑year‑old Portuguese midfielder Mateus Fernandes from relegated West Ham United. The player has told West Ham he wants to join United, and the club’s hierarchy believes personal terms can be agreed.

West Ham have set a valuation of around £80 million for Fernandes. United are reportedly preparing an opening bid lower than that figure and have said they are not in a rush to meet the asking price. The club’s focus is on securing the midfielder before rival clubs – Arsenal, Paris Saint‑Germain and Real Madrid – increase their offers.

Real Madrid have reportedly made contact about Fernandes, adding pressure to United’s negotiations, while PSG and Arsenal remain interested but also reluctant to match West Ham’s price. United have already completed the signing of Atalanta midfielder Ederson and are also tracking fellow West Ham talent Crysencio Summerville.

If United succeed, Fernandes would join a midfield project under manager Michael Carrick, aiming to provide both defensive discipline and attacking creativity for the club’s Champions League ambitions.