According to Hupu news on May 15 reported by talkSPORT reporter Martha Riley, Arsenal has planned West Ham United midfielder Mateusz Fernandez as a summer signing target. talkSPORT commentator Agbonlahor particularly directly stated that the Portuguese player is more outstanding than Subimendi, and strongly suggested that the Gunners should make a purchase.
Last summer, 21-year-old Fernandez joined West Ham United from Southampton for 42 million pounds. Although the Hammers are stuck in relegation this season, he is still one of the most dazzling players on the team and has contributed 5 goals and 4 assists in 40 appearances in all competitions. In attack, he has shown a comprehensive midfield ability. talkSPORT understands that even if West Ham United successfully avoids relegation, Fernandez plans to leave the team this summer. Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain have expressed interest in him. Now Arsenal has also joined the pursuit.
Agbonlahor: He is a top, top midfielder
On the talkSPORT breakfast show, someone asked Agbonlahor whether Fernandez could gain a foothold at a top club. Agbonlahor’s response was extremely simple, “100%” , and he further said that Fernandez is a top-level midfielder, and West Ham will do its best to stay in the Premier League. However, it is obvious that even this cannot keep Fernandez. People like Fernandez himself, Somerville and Bowen will choose to leave if West Ham is relegated.
Asked how Fernandes compares to Arsenal midfielder Subimendi, Agbonlahor said without mercy: "Listen, I could see him in an Arsenal shirt. I think he's got more quality than Subimendi – that's what I do. I'm not too confident in the hype around Subimendi. Lewis – Skelly has taken his place now, but in order to increase the number and strengthen the squad, I think he can be selected at any club in the Premier League.”
James Corden: He reminds me of Vitinha
Die-hard West Ham fan and actor James Corden gave great praise to Fernandes during this week's talkSPORT breakfast show. He said: "Fernandez, I think, is a quite extraordinary football player. He reminds me slightly of Vitinha. Vitinha, now playing for Paris Saint-Germain, played for Wolves before. I feel that Fernandes has that kind of very good ability." Vitinha, in 2020/21 During the season, he struggled when he was loaned to Wolves. Now, he has become one of the top midfielders in Europe. After helping Paris win the Champions League, he even entered the third place in the Ballon d'Or selection.
Subimendi, who joined from Real Sociedad for 55 million pounds last summer, has been replaced by Skelly in the starting position in recent key games. In the game against West Ham United last week, he was substituted after only 39 minutes on the bench. As the summer transfer window approaches, the focus of the outside world is on Arsenal's signing options in the midfield.