West Ham United have told Arsenal and Manchester United that it will cost up to £80 million to sign Mateus Fernandes this summer (the Times).
The Hammers must sell the Portuguese midfielder following their relegation to the Championship, and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta wants to bring him to the Emirates Stadium.
United manager Michael Carrick wants Fernandes as he prepares for life without Casemiro, and he could be a solid addition to his midfield options.
The 21-year-old bagged five goals and five assists across 42 appearances last season and is expected to remain in the Premier League after leaving Southampton for West Ham last summer.
The Gunners and Red Devils will now look to lure Fernandes to their respective clubs, and more suitors could join the race.
The Hammers paid an initial £38million for the Portugal international, and Southampton inserted a 15 percent sell-on clause in the deal.
He was nominated for the Young Player of the Season award and will be eager to prove himself at a bigger club.
United and Arsenal are playing in the Champions League next term, but the West Ham star will prefer to join a club where he is guaranteed regular playing opportunities.
Arsenal have Declan Rice, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Martin Zubimendi as options in the position, while Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali and Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi are also on their radar.
Man United captain Bruno Fernandes admires his namesake and would love to play alongside him.
Linking up with his international teammate could appeal to the younger Fernandes, and he would have the opportunity to establish himself in the starting XI as Carrick revamps his midfield.
