The Times: Arsenal told to pay £80m for relegated Premier League star

Arsenal have reportedly been told they must pay at least £80m to sign West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes this summer.

Despite West Ham’s hugely disappointing 2025/26 campaign, the 21-year-old was one of the club’s standout performers.

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With the Hammers now relegated to the Championship, Fernandes is widely expected to leave the London Stadium during the summer transfer window.

In recent weeks, the Portugal international has been linked with Arsenal, Manchester United and PSG.

Now, a fresh update has emerged regarding his future.

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Arsenal and other Premier League giant keen on signing West Ham’s Fernandes

According to the reliable The Times, West Ham have placed an £80m valuation on Fernandes.

It is understood the club must raise more than £100m through player sales this summer, with Fernandes considered one of their most valuable assets.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is believed to be a huge admirer of the midfielder, with strengthening the midfield viewed as one of the club’s priorities ahead of next season.

However, Arsenal could face competition for his signature.

It was recently reported by i Paper that Fernandes favours a move to Manchester United if he leaves West Ham this summer.

The midfielder’s current contract runs until the summer of 2030.

Fernandes joined West Ham from Southampton last summer in a deal worth around £38m.

What happens next?

Arsenal are set to step up their plans as the summer transfer window approaches, with the club continuing to hold internal discussions over potential targets. Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta are both believed to be actively assessing several options as preparations for next season continue behind the scenes.

The Gunners are expected to be among the busiest Premier League clubs this summer, with several positions under review. Any move will ultimately depend on availability, financial conditions and how Arsenal prioritise their targets during the transfer window.

The bigger picture

Arsenal’s recruitment team continues to focus on players who fit the club’s long-term strategy under Mikel Arteta. Technical quality, tactical intelligence and versatility remain key attributes as the club assesses potential additions ahead of the new campaign.

The club has consistently looked to add players capable of improving both the starting XI and overall squad depth, particularly with the demands of competing in the Premier League and Champions League. Arsenal are expected to strengthen multiple areas of the squad this summer and continue to monitor opportunities across Europe and South America.

Arsenal are expected to make several important decisions regarding the composition of the squad this summer. While strengthening key areas remains a priority, the club could also consider offers for certain players if it helps fund new arrivals and maintain financial flexibility.

Securing the futures of key players remains just as important as making new signings. Arsenal have worked hard to build one of the strongest squads in Europe, and maintaining stability within the group will be crucial as the club looks to continue competing for major honours.

Our View

The club are expected to strengthen the midfielder during the summer, and West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes seems to align with the type of recruitment strategy Mikel Arteta has favoured in recent years.

Whether Arsenal decide to advance their interest and make a formal offer remains to be seen, but it is easy to understand why the Portugal international is being linked with a move to North London.

However, the Gunners are expected to face stiff competition from their rivals Manchester United, as well as Ligue 1 and Champions League champions PSG for the West Ham midfielder.

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