Manchester City linked with transfer interest in versatile West Ham United star | OneFootball

The latest transfer reports concerning Manchester City have tied the club to interest in West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes, according to new claims.

City have already added Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi to their ranks in January as they vie for silverware on four fronts in the backdrop of a major squad revamp conducted by Hugo Viana following his appointment as director of football in 2025.

The Blues cut down Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League to four points at the weekend as City returned to winning ways against Wolves and saw the Gunners suffer a shock 3-2 defeat at home to Manchester United.

Pep Guardiola is still coping with a long list of injury absentees, though there is hope that Nico Gonzalez and Ruben Dias could return for Manchester City’s upcoming Premier League games against Tottenham and Liverpool.

Having added Semenyo and Guehi to their depleted ranks in January, Manchester City are not expected to make further new additions this month and departures are set to dominate the headlines between now and the end of the transfer window.

However, Viana and co will still be monitoring the market should an opportunity arise that is deemed too good to turn down mid-season – as was the case earlier this month with Guehi, who joined City from Crystal Palace for £20 million last week.

According to a recent report from SportBoom, Mateus Fernandes has ‘captured the attention’ of both Manchester City and Manchester United.

It is claimed that the player holds a specific relegation release clause, although the exact financial terms are strictly confidential, although at risk of such terms being activated it is suggested that West Ham are actively encouraging interest from the Premier League’s elite.

From the side of Manchester City, they are said to have been monitoring the situation with intent, Pep Guardiola impressed by the 21-year-old’s technical security and ability to operate under pressure.

Fernandes is further said to fit the “City-style” technical profile flawlessly, and Guardiola sees the player as capable of sharing a split role in the club’s evolving system, impressed by his versatility and believing he has qualities to perform in several positions, including full-back.

Though a January move does appear unlikely at present, Manchester City could choose to rekindle their interest in Fernandes in the summer, when club captain Bernardo Silva could leave the club as he would approach the end of his contract.

City claimed their first Premier League win of 2026 against Wolves at the weekend and nothing less than three points will do for the Blues against Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night.