Arsenal interested in shock move for West Ham star who almost ended title hopes

Arsenal are interested in a shock move for West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, according to Gary Jacob of The Times.

The Gunners are reported to be looking at the Portugal international as a potential incoming with a view to a possible midfield reshape this summer.

It comes just days after Fernandes went so close to breaking Arsenal hearts in a huge game in the title race, but instead, he could now be making the move across London when the transfer window opens.

Arsenal interested in signing Mateus Fernandes

Fernandes joined West Ham from Southampton for an initial £38 million last summer. He was a regular part of the Saints' squad during a disastrous campaign that saw him finish rock bottom of the Premier League with 12 points.

Ahead of moving to the London Stadium, he had interest from a number of clubs, including Atletico Madrid. Paris Saint-Germain are now monitoring him as he is likely to generate similar interest this summer.

He has been a crucial part of the Hammers' setup this season, scoring four goals and providing three assists in 36 appearances, and he will continue to be important as they fight to avoid relegation with two games remaining.

The Portugal international, who made his national team debut in April, came close to all-but ending Arsenal's title hopes on Sunday afternoon when he looked destined to score as he was played through on goal, but was denied by an incredible David Raya save.

Mikel Arteta is known for his preference to sign young and versatile midfielders with Premier League midfielders so Fernandes, who is capable of playing as an advanced or deep-lying midfielder, would be well suited to the Spaniard's team.

His potential arrival could come in line with a possible departure of Christian Nørgaard, despite the Danish midfielder joining the Gunners less than a year ago. He has found game time hard to come by this season, making just 19 appearances in all competitions and playing only 56 minutes in the league.

Fernandes would be a great addition to the Arsenal squad, but signing him wouldn't come without complications. If West Ham are relegated, they will most certainly have to sell him, but if they stay up, they won't want him to leave. However, relegation won't mean his signing is a foregone conclusion for the Gunners as they will no doubt face plenty of competition for his signature.

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