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Arsenal make West Ham star Mateus Fernandes ‘primary target’ for next summer

By on May 15, 2026

Arsenal have expressed interest in signing West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes next summer, according to The Times via GOAL.

Fernandes made an immediate impression in England following his arrival from Sporting CP in the summer of 2024 for a fee around his £30m Transfermarkt valuation.

Although Southampton suffered relegation during his debut campaign, the midfielder’s performances for the Saints were enough to earn him a transfer to West Ham last summer.

Since moving to the London Stadium, the 21-year-old has developed into one of the most exciting young midfielders in the Premier League, featuring in 40 matches across all competitions and contributing nine goals and assists.

Despite the Hammers enduring a difficult season, Fernandes’ displays earned him his first senior call-up to the Portugal national football team during the March international break, where he made his debut in a 2-0 victory over the United States men’s national soccer team.

With West Ham currently sitting 18th in the table and facing a relegation threat, several important players are expected to leave if the club drops into the Championship, and Fernandes is among those likely to attract strong interest from leading European sides.

Citing the Times, GOAL reports that Arsenal are among the clubs that have expressed interest in signing Fernandes next summer.

‘Primary target’

The Gunners’ manager, Mikel Arteta, is keen on adding technical quality to his midfield and has earmarked the 21-year-old as a ‘primary target’ for that role, according to the report.

The report adds that Arsenal are also looking to add a younger, Premier League-proven player to their squad, and the club’s recruitment team have been impressed by Fernandes’s displays this season.

However, the Times claims that the north London club will face stern competition from Paris Saint-Germain in the race to sign the Portugal international next summer.

The pursuit of Fernandes forms part of a broader squad rebuild underway at Arsenal, with several departures expected to create space for incoming additions.

Christian Nørgaard is among the players who could leave after struggling to establish himself as a regular starter since arriving from Brentford.

Throughout the campaign, Mikel Arteta has favoured Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi in midfield, leaving Nørgaard with only 56 minutes of Premier League action this season.

As such, Fernandes would be a good option to step in and replace the Norwegian, offering the Spanish manager a more athletic and technical profile to provide depth.