United close in on £80m Fernandes as Kim Min-jae emerges as defensive target

Manchester United have moved ahead of Arsenal in the pursuit of West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, with the 21-year-old expected to command a fee approaching £80m as Michael Carrick looks to reshape his squad ahead of a return to Champions League football.

Fernandes, a Portugal international, contributed three goals and four assists across 36 appearances for West Ham last season but could not prevent the club’s relegation from the Premier League. The Times reports that United are optimistic about finalising a deal, with Arsenal said to be reluctant to meet West Ham’s asking price — a figure that would represent more than double the £38m West Ham paid Southampton for the midfielder just a year ago. Real Madrid, under new manager Jose Mourinho, are also monitoring the situation and could yet complicate United’s pursuit.

In midfield, United have already reached an agreement to sign Atalanta’s Ederson, who has earned a call-up to Brazil’s World Cup squad, following the departure of Casemiro at the end of the season. The club are continuing to explore further additions in that area, with Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson — a 23-year-old expected to feature prominently for England at the World Cup — also attracting interest, though Manchester City have already submitted two offers for the player.

At the back, United are reportedly tracking Bayern Munich centre-back Kim Min-jae, who is currently representing South Korea at the World Cup. The 29-year-old played the full 90 minutes as South Korea came from behind to beat Czechia 2-1. German outlet TZ reports that United have dedicated scouting time to the defender, with Juventus also said to be interested. Kim joined Bayern from Napoli in 2023, and United had previously been linked with him before that move.

Carrick faces a significant rebuilding task as he prepares for his first full season in charge, with midfield reinforcement and defensive depth both identified as priorities heading into the window.