Real Madrid join race for Mateus Fernandes as Mourinho plots first summer signing | OneFootball

Real Madrid have joined the race for West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes, AS reports.

The Portuguese ace has become one of the most sought-after midfielders in the world, and new Madrid manager Jose Mourinho wants him at Santiago Bernabeu.

Midfield reinforcement has become a priority for Madrid, and Fernandes is seen as an ideal transfer target, with the club eager to add quality in the middle of the pitch.

The 21-year-old was a standout performer in a miserable campaign that ended with West Ham getting relegated from the Premier League.

He was a mainstay in the West Ham midfield after joining from Southampton, featuring 45 times across all competitions and chipping in with 10 goal contributions.

West Ham’s relegation has opened the door for a number of players to jump ship, and Fernandes is among those looking for a fresh challenge elsewhere.

He’s not willing to stick around to play Championship football, but West Ham’s outrageous asking price has made his exit plan more difficult.

Despite investing an initial £38 million to bring Fernandes to the London Stadium, West Ham are not willing to part ways unless they recoup a staggering £80m for the midfielder.

While Fernandes has a lot of admirers both in the Premier League and abroad, interested clubs have baulked at West Ham’s demands.

The Portuguese maestro has been linked with Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, and Manchester United, but none of them are willing to entertain West Ham’s asking price.

However, with Mourinho reportedly pushing for Madrid to bring in Fernandes, it remains to be seen if they’re willing to sit at the negotiating table with the Hammers.

West Ham aren’t desperate to sell, considering Fernandes still has a long-term contract keeping him at the London Stadium. But it’s better to sell than keep an unhappy player in the squad.

However, they’re still unwilling to do business unless their asking price is met. 

Meanwhile, Madrid have been linked with a handful of other midfielders, including wantaway Chelsea ace Enzo Fernandez. But the World Cup winner could cost them north of £120m.