Bruno Fernandes pushes United to sign Mateus Fernandes as Arsenal circle £80m West Ham star

Manchester United are being urged by two of their senior players to shape their summer recruitment, with Bruno Fernandes the latest to push the club toward a specific target — West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, valued at around £80m.

The move follows a similar pattern to United’s £39m deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, which was reportedly nudged along by departing midfielder Casemiro. The Brazilian, 34, is said to have recommended his international compatriot as a successor before leaving Old Trafford this summer. Ederson’s move has been delayed after he received a late call-up to Brazil’s World Cup 2026 squad.

Bruno Fernandes has now taken on a similar role, according to The Telegraph, which reported in May that the United captain has spoken highly of his Portuguese namesake within the club and wants to see him signed this window. The two share international duty with Portugal, giving Fernandes extended time to assess the 21-year-old at close quarters.

Mateus Fernandes joined West Ham late in the 2024 summer transfer window for a fee believed to be just over £40m, having previously impressed at Southampton following his move from Sporting CP. With West Ham relegated from the Premier League, the Hammers are now looking to maximise the return on one of their most valuable assets, with reports placing his asking price at £80m — though his final fee could fall considerably short of that figure.

United are not alone in their interest. The Times has reported that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is also an admirer of the player, setting up a potential transfer battle that will feel familiar to Bruno Fernandes. The United captain admitted he was “really sad” when Declan Rice chose Arsenal over Manchester United in a £100m deal in 2023, and a repeat outcome with his namesake would represent a similarly bitter blow.

Mateus Fernandes is not part of Portugal’s World Cup 2026 squad, meaning any negotiations over his future are unlikely to be complicated by international commitments in the near term.