Real Madrid slapped with €90 million price tag for Mourinho’s top target; Arsenal, Man United also keen | OneFootball

Jose Mourinho has arrived at Real Madrid with genuine decision-making power, and Florentino Perez has made clear he is willing to back his new manager in the transfer market.

Mourinho is particularly keen on shoring up his options in midfield. And while the club have been linked with a move for Enzo Fernandez, Mourinho has a preference of his own in Mateus Fernandes.

According to The Times (h/t Diario SPORT), Mourinho has identified Mateus as his preferred midfield addition, with the Portuguese international represented by Jorge Mendes, who, of course, shares that connection with the incoming Real Madrid manager.

West Ham want over €90 million

Mateus Fernandes is a top target for Mourinho. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Signing Fernandes won’t come cheap, though, with the report suggesting that West Ham will slap a price tag of over €90 million for the midfielder.

This is hardly surprising as his performances this season for West Ham, despite the club’s relegation, have been impressive enough to significantly drive up his market value.

The 21-year-old joined West Ham from Southampton in the summer of 2025 for €45 million and has already attracted attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

A complicated pursuit

Real Madrid will have to pay more than €90 million. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Arsenal and Manchester United have both made direct enquiries about Fernandes. But both of them have been met with the €90 million plus price tag.

The English club are motivated seller due to financial fair play pressures following their relegation, but they are not desperate enough to accept anything below their valuation.

Southampton also retain 15% of any future sale, giving them a significant financial stake in the outcome.

For Real Madrid, the prospect of a bidding war with two Premier League heavyweights is not ideal, particularly with Perez also planning to spend at least €150 million on a marquee Galactico signing.