West Ham demand £80m for Fernandes as Arsenal also chase World Cup teenager Bouaddi

Arsenal’s summer recruitment is taking shape on two fronts, with West Ham drawing a firm line over Mateus Fernandes and talks progressing with Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi ahead of the transfer window’s official opening.

West Ham shareholder Daniel Kretinsky has made clear that relegation will not force the club into a fire sale, despite Arsenal and Manchester United both registering interest in the 21-year-old Portuguese midfielder. Fernandes is valued at £80m, and Kretinsky told The Times that the club’s financial position gives them no reason to cash in.

“We have a very credible strategy,” Kretinsky said. “We don’t need to sell the players for financial reasons. We are doing this to make sure we are promoted back to the Premier League immediately. That is our only goal. Key players are waiting for us. They want to see there is a real chance of keeping the squad together. What matters is funding, strategy and consistency. We have spoken to all of them. They need to see that our project is real and serious. Promotion is our only goal.”

Fernandes made 36 Premier League appearances last season, contributing three goals and four assists, but could not prevent West Ham’s relegation. He joined the Hammers from Southampton for an initial £38m last summer.

On a separate track, Arsenal have been actively pursuing Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, the 18-year-old who caught the eye with Morocco’s 1-1 draw against Brazil at the World Cup. The Gunners were first linked with Bouaddi ahead of the winter window and have maintained contact with the player’s entourage since early 2025. Further talks are scheduled for after the World Cup concludes.

Mikel Arteta’s side enter the market as Premier League champions, having come within two wins of also lifting the Carabao Cup and the Champions League. The manager is expected to target midfield reinforcements as he looks to extend the gap on Arsenal’s rivals next season.