Aston Villa is looking to add more quality in the middle of the park, identifying Mateus Fernandes as its target.
The Southampton midfielder links to travel from a relegated club, and it will be interesting to see if Aston Villa can make the deal. According to Portuguese Publication A Bola, Aston Villa will face competition between Leeds United and Atletico Madrid.
West Ham maintains a Fernandez tab. Crystal Palace has been linked to players for the past few weeks.
Aston Villa would be better at signing Mateus Fernandez
Fernandez is a talented player with a bright future and has been able to grow into a key player at Aston Villa. The opportunity to return to the Premier League is exciting for him. He wouldn’t want to compete in the championship next season. The player is reportedly valued at £25 million, and Aston Villa has the resources to pay. They need more technical capabilities in the middle of the park, and Fernandez is the ideal acquisition. He knows the Premier League well and can quickly settle down and make an immediate impact. The reported asking price could look like a future bargain if the player is able to fulfill his potential.
Leeds and Atletico Madrid in the race
Leeds United also ensures promotion to the Premier League, and needs to be at their disposal by quality players. Fernandez is impressed in the Premier League despite Southampton’s relegation, and he will be a solid long-term investment for them. They have the resources to get deals across the line.
Finally, Atletico Madrid is also monitoring his situation. They are one of the biggest clubs in Spanish football and make for an attractive destination for players. It’s no surprise that midfielders are seduced to join them in place of Aston Villa and Leeds. It will be interesting to see how the situation unfolds.