Man Utd are reportedly ahead of Arsenal in the race to sign West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes, but could now face a battle with Real Madrid in the summer transfer window.
Fernandes is set to leave the Hammers after the club were relegated to the Championship on the final day of the Premier League last season.
The east London outfit are looking to make £80 million from the potential sale of the 21-year-old, who joined the club from Southampton for an initial transfer fee of £38 million.
Man Utd leading Arsenal in Mateus Fernandes transfer race
According to The Times, Man Utd are “increasingly confident” of signing Fernandes ahead of Arsenal, who had been “actively pursuing” the player in recent weeks.
The Gunners are not willing to meet West Ham’s valuation, giving United the opportunity to land him. However, the report adds that Jose Mourinho has “requested” Real Madrid try and sign the Portugal international.
Fernandes made 38 league appearances last season, registering five goals and four assists. Southampton retain a 15 per cent sell-on clause from their deal with West Ham last summer.
Man Utd have already signed one midfielder, buying Ederson from Atalanta for for an initial £35 million plus £4 million in potential add-ons on a four-year contract. They could yet sign a third midfielder this summer if they manage to offload Manuel Ugarte, who has been a massive disappointment since moving to Old Trafford from Paris Saint-Germain for an initial £42 million, rising to a potential £50.7 million with performance related add-ons, in 2024.
Bournemouth’s Alex Scott is another midfielder that has been linked with Man Utd, though Arsenal are also said to be interested in the 22-year-old.
