Arsenal told West Ham gem Mateus Fernandes would be instant upgrade on overrated midfielder
Arsenal have been urged to move for West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes this summer as an instant upgrade on Martin Zubimendi.
Fernandes is a man in demand just a year after arriving at the London Stadium in a deal potentially rising to £42million.
The Portugal international has been most recently linked with a move to Manchester United, but other Premier League clubs will also no doubt show an interest.
And amid recent reports that Fernandes will leave West Ham regardless of whether they stay up or go down, Arsenal have been told to bring in the 21-year-old.
The summer transfer window may still be a few weeks away from opening, but talk surrounding Fernandes’ future continues to grow.
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Gabby Agbonlahor can see Mateus Fernandes at Arsenal
West Ham are in line to make a nice profit on Fernandes, but that is not exactly something supporters will be cheering.
In an ideal world, West Ham stay up this season at the expense of Tottenham Hotspur and Fernandes – along with United’s other kep performers – stays on.
| Mateus Fernandes | 2025-26 |
| Pass accuracy | 87.4% |
| Accurate long balls | 104 |
| Chances created | 34 |
| Duels won | 191 |
| Average match rating | 7.2/10 |
However, reports suggest he is off regardless and a bidding war could potentially ensue.
Just how interested Arsenal are at this stage is not clear, but Gabby Agbonlahor can “100 per cent” see Fernandes at on of the Premier League’s elite next season.
Speaking via talkSPORT, Agbonlahor added: “Listen, I can see him in an Arsenal shirt. I think he’s a better player than Zubimendi, I really do. I’m not sure about the hype with Zubimendi.”
“[Myles] 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.”
Is Fernandes a better player than Martin Zubimendi?
Zubimendi has been one of the Premier League’s best signings this season, even if he is now playing second fiddle to Lewis-Skellly.
The Spain international has made 36 appearances compared to Fernandes’ 34 in the Premier League this season, but their number of minutes has been very similar – 2,910 versus 2,844.
Zubimendi has five goals to Fernandes’ three, but the latter has three assists compared to one for his opposite number – so six direct goal involvements each.
Defensively speaking, Fernandes has accrued 97 tackles, 33 interceptions and 11 blocks, while it is 67, 39 and five respectively for Zubimendi at Arsenal.
Where Fernandes particularly outshines Zubimendi is in terms of dribbling ability – 46 completed this term compared to 15 – while he is also fouled a lot more.
Both players have different strengths, but the stats certainly suggest Fernandes would indeed be an upgrade on Zubimendi if Arsenal were to make a move.