Arsenal told to raid Premier League rival to replace £56m Martin Zubimendi this summer

Arsenal have been urged to pursue their interest in ‘top midfielder’ Mateus Fernandes – he is better than what they currently have.

talkSPORT understands the Gunners have joined the race for West Ham star Fernandes, as they look to bolster their midfield in the summer.

AFP

It has been reported that Mikel Arteta is keen to provide competition for established starters Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi.

And Fernandes now looks to have emerged as a target after impressing in his debut season at the London Stadium following his arrival from Southampton last summer in a deal worth £42million.

While the Hammers have struggled this season, and are at real risk of relegation from the Premier League, the 21-year-old has been one of their standout performers.

The Portuguese has showcased his all-round ability in midfield this term, and has five goals and four assist in 40 appearances altogether.

talkSPORT understands Fernandes plans to leave West Ham even if they stay up, and he won’t be short of options in the summer.

His strong displays have seen him attract interest from a number of big-name clubs, including Manchester United, while he has been linked with Paris Saint-Germain.

Gunner go for it?

With Arsenal now joining Fernandes’ list of admirers, talkSPORT’s Gabby Agbonlahor has tipped him to be a perfect fit in north London, insisting he could take the role of Zubimendi.

The Spaniard has been a mainstay in midfield alongside Declan Rice following his £55m arrival last summer, but has seen Myles Lewis-Skelly preferred in each of the Gunners’ last three games, with Arteta opting for more physical presence.

Asked if he could see Fernandes at a top club on Friday’s talkSPORT Breakfast, Agbonlahor replied: “100 percent.”

Outlining his qualities, he then said: “He’s a top, top midfielder. 

Getty

Getty

“West Ham will be dying to stay in the Premier League. Obviously that won’t keep him.

“The likes of himself, [Crysencio] Summerville and [Jarrod] Bowen will leave if West Ham get relegated.”

Agbonlahor then insisted Fernandes could be just the man for Arsenal, who he claimed he would be an upgrade on Zubimendi.

The ex-Real Sociedad man got off to a strong start in north London, and was credited as a key reason behind the Gunners’ improved strength and control of games this season.

But he has been overlooked in recent crunch matches as Arsenal look to get over the line in their Premier League and Champions League trophy bids, and was even substituted just 39 minutes after being brought on against West Ham on Sunday.

Agbonlahor believes Fernandes is a better option, adding: “Listen, I can see him in an Arsenal shirt.

Getty

“I think he’s a better player than Zubimendi, I really do. I’m not sure about the hype with Zubimendi.”

He went on: “Lewis-Skelly‘s taken his place now, but to add numbers and strengthen [I would sign Fernandes].

“I think he could have his pick of Premier League clubs. I rate him highly.”

‘Extraordinary footballer’

Agbonlahor isn’t Fernandes’ only admirer, with Gavin and Stacey star Corden also recently speaking highly of the West Ham midfielder.

The life-long Hammers fan likened non-West Ham opinions of the 21-year-old to how his compatriot, Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha, was judged in England.

Vitinha infamously struggled on loan at Wolves in the 2020/21 season but is now is among Europe’s best midfielders, finishing third in the Ballon d’Or rankings after helping PSG win the Champions League.

Getty

Speaking on Wednesday’s talkSPORT Breakfast, Corden said: “Fernandes, I think, is an extraordinary footballer.

“He reminds me a bit of Vitinha, who is now at PSG, was at Wolves. I think Fernandes has that sort of ability.”