Matheus Fernandes is shaping up to be one of the most in-demand midfielders this summer.
According to reports from Spain, Real Madrid are currently in the process of signing the West Ham midfielder, with manager Jose Mourinho said to be keen to have him in his squad.
The reported starting price is around £80 million, which goes to show how highly West Ham value the 21-year-old.
Fernandes was one of West Ham’s few bright spots after a difficult season that ended in relegation.
The situation naturally opens the door for major clubs to join the club, with Liverpool and Arsenal already being named this summer.
Arsenal and Liverpool are keeping an eye on Fernandes
TEAMtalk reported this week that Liverpool are in the race to sign Fernandes, while other reports have also named Arsenal, Manchester United and PSG as interested clubs.
West Ham’s position is understandable. Although they will need to raise funds after leaving the Premier League, they do not want to sell talented young players cheaply.
The Sun reports that West Ham may need to come up with around £100m from player sales, with Fernandes also one of the players who could command a big fee.
The report also points out that the player is valued at around £80 million.
From Real Madrid’s point of view, this is a very interesting target. Mourinho has always favored midfielders who combine energy, tactical discipline and personality.
Fernandes is not only a clean passer, he is also aggressive and mobile and can play in a variety of midfield roles.
He could be seen as a long-term investment rather than just a short-term signing for a Real Madrid squad that may need to revamp parts of their squad.
Real Madrid faces competition from Premier League clubs
But Liverpool and Arsenal make this race even more difficult. Liverpool need more dynamism in midfield, while Arsenal are looking to add depth and quality to stay at the top of the table.
Both clubs can offer Premier League football, which could be attractive to Fernandes, who has already proven himself in England.
Fernandes is exactly the type of player top clubs should be chasing, but his £80m price tag is high.
Real Madrid’s interest makes sense, especially if Mourinho wants to add a strong young midfielder, but West Ham’s evaluation could delay everything.
Madrid may be making the push at the moment, but Liverpool and Arsenal are heavily involved in the conversation.
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