West Ham United are bracing themselves for a massive summer boardroom battle over their prized asset.
Their latest defeat against Arsenal in the Premier League has moved them closer to the drop and that could mean a number of their key players could leave the club in the summer transfer window.
According from Football Insider, the Hammers have slapped an astronomical £84 million valuation on standout midfielder Mateus Fernandes in an effort to ward off circling suitors.
Manchester United have emerged as the primary driving force behind the interest, actively exploring avenues to revamp their engine room.
While West Ham find themselves locked in a desperate scrap for top-flight survival with just two matches remaining, their 21-year-old Portuguese sensation appears entirely destined to continue his career at the absolute highest level, regardless of the London club’s ultimate fate.
West Ham demand premium fee for star midfielder
Demanding £84 million represents more than double the initial £38 million package (plus add-ons) the Hammers invested to acquire him from Southampton just last summer.
Despite West Ham enduring a deeply turbulent domestic campaign that currently teeters on the brink of the Championship, Fernandes has been an undisputed revelation.
Featuring in 34 of the club’s 36 Premier League fixtures to date, his aggressive press resistance, exceptional ball-carrying, and relentless work ethic have made him one of the most exciting young profiles in Europe.
His meteoric rise was further validated recently when Portugal manager Roberto Martínez handed him his senior international debut against the United States.
For Man United, signing a dynamic, multi-functional midfielder is an urgent priority for the upcoming transfer window.
Man United need a midfield rebuild this summer
Not only are they losing Casemiro at the end of the season, they are also dealing with lack of quality and depth in the midfield regardless of the Brazilian’s exit.
The Old Trafford hierarchy is planning a comprehensive restructure to future-proof their squad, and Fernandes’ elite tactical versatility, capable of operating seamlessly as a deep-lying number six, a box-to-box eight, or an advanced playmaker, fits their recruitment agenda.
Furthermore, reports indicate that United captain Bruno Fernandes is highly supportive of bringing his highly rated compatriot to Manchester to help shoulder the midfield burden.
Should the Hammers suffer relegation, retaining a player of Fernandes’ caliber in the second tier will be practically impossible.
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