Mateus Fernandes: Stats reveal why Arsenal want to sign West Ham’s next Declan Rice
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Credit: Imago Thu 14 May 2026 15:28, UK Mateus Fernandes has emerged among Arsenal’s top targets this summer amid West Ham United’s potential relegation. The Portugal international has enjoyed an impressive season despite the Hammers’ struggles, which have left them needing to claw back a two-point deficit in the final two games to survive the drop.Fernandes could have put West Ham ahead against Arsenal last week, but saw his massive chance saved by the legs of David Raya after he went through on goal.Just minutes later, the Gunners scored through Leandro Trossard and would go on to survive a late scare when Callum Wilson’s equaliser was disallowed on VAR review.West Ham transfer chiefs have been aware of mounting interest in Fernandes for some time, and Arsenal appear to have emerged as a top contender. 🔄West Ham United Transfer Update🔄 Breaking news on signings, departures, and contract news from the West Ham United boardroom.
VISIT THE WEST HAM TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Arsenal want the next Declan Rice in Mateus FernandesFootball Insider exclusively revealed last week that West Ham have placed an £84million price tag on Fernandes ahead of the summer. According to The Times, Arsenal are interested in the 21-year-old and West Ham may have to sell to keep in line with the financial rules, if they are relegated.Mikel Arteta will hope that the player’s push for the move will also help bring a potential fee down, after he made it clear that he did not want to play in the Championship last summer.The stats behind Fernandes’ seasonFernandes has netted three goals and provided three assists from midfield for West Ham this season, often sitting deep but with a licence to get forward, similarly to Rice.The 21-year-old’s defensive numbers are superb.
The midfielder wins more than six duels a game.Deserved recognition 👏 Matty has been nominated for Premier League Young Player of the Season!— West Ham United (@WestHam) May 14, 2026 View Tweet But it is perhaps his ability on the ball which will really stand out to Arsenal.The West Ham talent completes 60.9 per cent of his attempted dribbles and wins 1.52 fouls every 90 minutes. Should he arrive at the Emirates Stadium this summer, he will join a group of extremely powerful Arsenal midfielders. ⚒️ Don’t Miss a Beat: Your West Ham Insider Access Get the full story from the London Stadium and Rush Green with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from East London.