Manchester United have moved ahead of Arsenal in the race to sign West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, according to reports. The 20-year-old midfielder had been a target for the Gunners as part of a planned summer splurge, but United have now jumped ahead in the queue.
Arsenal’s transfer plans are not entirely stalled, however. The club have received approval for a £170m spending spree, though their attempts to land a double swoop face complications. Morgan Rogers, a key target, has reportedly made his decision on a next club – but the Evening Standard reports that neither signing will come easy this summer.
“Manchester United beat Arsenal to Mateus Fernandes deal while Liverpool plan £160m spree with Andoni Iraola”
Elsewhere, Liverpool are preparing a massive £160m outlay under new head coach Andoni Iraola, who is tipped to raid his former club. The Reds have been linked with PSG forward Bradley Barcola, whose dribbling stats rank in the top percentile according to a Machine Football analysis. His xGoals return of 10.57 is seen as vital for a side that struggled to convert chances last season after Mohamed Salah's departure.
Elliot Anderson remains a subject of speculation. Manchester City had tabled a £106m bid for the Nottingham Forest man, but could now walk away from the deal.
United, meanwhile, are also preparing a bid for Sangare, while a London trio of Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham are all interested in Bayer Leverkusen forward Ibrahim Maza, according to The Mail. The 20-year-old impressed against Manchester City in the Champions League.
As the 2026 World Cup takes centre stage, the transfer window continues to bubble. With United strengthening, Arsenal recalibrating, and Liverpool spending big, the battle for Premier League supremacy is already taking shape.