Arsenal could benefit from Tottenham Hotspur remaining in the Premier League at West Ham United’s expense should they pursue Mateus Fernandes this summer. The Gunners are understood to hold an interest in Fernandes, who has caught the eye of their recruitment department over recent years.
The Portugal international moved to Southampton from Sporting two years ago after limited opportunities in Lisbon but quickly established himself as a Premier League regular. An encouraging maiden season concluded in relegation with the Saints before West Ham secured his signature for approximately £40million last summer.
Despite being embroiled in another relegation scrap this term, Fernandes continues to shine. West Ham’s potential drop to the second tier could see the midfielder make an even bigger step up this time, with Arsenal seeking midfield reinforcements.
The Times reports that West Ham would be compelled to offload Fernandes to adhere to the Championship’s financial framework. The division’s clubs have approved new Squad Cost Rules (SCR) and must limit their expenditure to 85% of their revenue.
Owners are permitted to inject only an additional £15million during any single season. West Ham’s income would fall dramatically following any relegation, which could be confirmed before the final day of the campaign.
The Hammers sit two points from safety with the same number of fixtures remaining. They travel to Newcastle United today before welcoming Leeds United to London next Sunday.
View 2 ImagesMateus Fernandes may be waving goodbye to another club this summer(Image: Clive Rose, Getty Images)
West Ham would already be relegated when the Whites arrive at the London Stadium, however, if they fail to triumph this weekend. Dropping points against Leeds would hand Spurs an opportunity to guarantee survival by defeating Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.
Nevertheless, if Roberto De Zerbi’s team do not collect maximum points, it will come down to the final day, when they entertain Everton. West Ham can no longer overtake Nottingham Forest, meaning only Spurs can rescue them.
As for Arsenal, their attention is understandably fixed on the summit of the table. Yet what unfolds at the bottom could assume far greater significance this summer.
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Fernandes penned a five-year deal with West Ham last summer, leaving four seasons still to run on his contract. There reportedly is no standard release clause included in the agreement for a player whom the CIES Football Observatory values at up to £63million.
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There are, however, contradictory reports about whether such a provision would be triggered should they become a Championship club next season. Avoiding protracted negotiations with West Ham would be preferable for the Gunners, particularly given that their earlier discussions over signing Declan Rice ultimately exceeded £100million.
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