Arsenal set to miss out on Premier League transfer target as Manchester United close in

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Arsenal’s search for a midfielder has suffered another setback.

Manchester United are increasingly confident of signing Mateus Fernandes from West Ham for up to £80million, according to The Times.

Arsenal had been actively pursuing the Portuguese midfielder in recent weeks but are not willing to meet West Ham’s valuation.

It is a frustrating one for Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta. Fernandes had been identified as a key target to add legs and intensity to Arsenal’s engine room, exactly the profile of dynamic, box-to-box energy that could replicate Declan Rice.

But at £80million, the fee is proving a significant sticking point, particularly for a relegated club’s asset.

🤔 Which midfield target should Andrea Berta prioritise at Arsenal this summer?

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West Ham have little choice but to sell following their relegation to the Championship, though it remains unclear whether they face immediate financial pressure to comply with Premier League rules.

Fernandes joined West Ham last summer for £38million from Southampton, who retain a 15% sell-on clause, and contributed five goals and four assists across 38 appearances this season.

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has also requested the club pursue Fernandes, adding even more competition to what is becoming an increasingly crowded race for the midfielder’s signature.

Arsenal to search for alternatives to Mateus Fernandes

With Fernandes potentially heading to Old Trafford, Arsenal will be seeking out midfield alternatives.

Their primary target is Sandro Tonali, but Newcastle’s £100million valuation is considered far too high.

Arsenal are also interested in Bournemouth’s Alex Scott but the Cherries are adamant that the 22-year-old is not for sale this summer.

The Premier League market is hugely inflated right now, making Manu Kone’s potential availability at around £43million so attractive.

The Roma midfielder offers a similar box-to-box profile to Fernandes at roughly half the price, and with Arsenal needing to spend big in attacking areas, he would surely be smarter business.

Given Berta’s connections, the Gunners will not be short of alternatives. But losing out on Fernandes to a Premier League rival, particularly Manchester United, will sting.