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Manchester United in 'pole position' to land Mateus Fernandes after Real Madrid cool interest, Arsenal target Ayyoub Bouaddi - Paper Round
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Updated 15/06/2026 at 09:31 GMT+1
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Manchester United are in advanced talks for Mateus Fernandes. Arsenal eye Ayyoub Bouaddi, Brentford launch a rival Jeremy Monga bid, and Victor Munoz pushes Newcastle.
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Man Utd clear favourites for ÂŁ80m Fernandes
Manchester United have emerged as the frontrunners to sign West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes, with Real Madrid expecting the move to cross the line.Â
The Red Devils turned heavily to the 21-year-old after missing out on Elliot Anderson to Manchester City, and they hope to negotiate a lower fee below The Hammers' steep ÂŁ80 million valuation following their relegation.
The Sun reports: ”Real Madrid expect Manchester United to sign West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes.Â
”Arsenal have cooled their interest in Fernandes, who has also been linked with Madrid following the return of Jose Mourinho as coach. But Madrid are not expected to make a formal approach for Fernandes as United’s interest is already advanced.Â
”Fernandes, 21, is at the top of United’s shortlist of Premier League midfielders after Elliot Anderson favoured a move to Manchester City.Â
”West Ham value Fernandes at £80 million but United hope to strike a compromise following The Hammers’ relegation to the Championship.”
Arsenal lay out long-term groundwork for Bouaddi
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has already initiated contact with the representatives of Lille's world-class midfield prodigy Ayyoub Bouaddi.
The Gunners are prioritising a versatile midfield reinforcement after stepping away from the costly race for West Ham's Fernandes, though they face stiff competition from Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool.
The Mirror explains: ”The hype train is now in full swing but the truth is, Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has already made inroads with Bouaddi's representatives.Â
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”These conversations did not take place in the past 24 hours; they are understood to have happened over six months ago as the Italian chief has known Bouaddi was a world-class prodigy for some time.
”PSG, Liverpool and Chelsea are also believed to have been in touch but given the Premier League champions are actively targeting a new midfielder that can operate as both a No. 8 and No. 6 as one of their top priorities, don't be surprised if they motor into pole position swiftly.Â
”West Ham's £80m asking price for Mateus Fernandes is deemed excessive while Newcastle will also drive a hard bargain for Sandro Tonali, another name of interest to The Gunners.”
Brentford challenge Arsenal for wonderkid Monga
Brentford have launched an ambitious bid to hijack Arsenal's planned move for Leicester City's teenage sensation Jeremy Monga.Â
The highly coveted academy talent had previously agreed to personal terms with Mikel Arteta's side, but The Bees have stepped in to keep the transfer race open.
The Evening Standard states: ”Arsenal face new competition from Brentford in the race to sign Jeremy Monga.Â
”The Leicester wonderkid looked to be on his way to the Emirates Stadium this summer after reaching an agreement over personal terms.Â
”However, it seems that deal is far from done as Brentford look to get one over on their London rivals.”
Munoz demands swift answer on Newcastle move
Osasuna winger Victor Munoz has asked his representatives for an immediate update on his prospective transfer to Newcastle United.Â
The Spain international is eager to avoid off-field distractions ahead of Spain's upcoming World Cup campaign, while Magpies director Ross Wilson works to close the deal.
The Chronicle reports: ”Newcastle United transfer target Victor Munoz has told his representatives that he wants clarity on his future sooner rather than later in order to fully focus on the World Cup.Â
"Newcastle sporting director Ross Wilson is looking to tie up a deal to bring Munoz to Tyneside after identifying the winger as first-choice replacement for Barcelona-bound Anthony Gordon.Â
”Munoz is understood to have signalled his desire to move to St James' Park but the deal still has complications to overcome.Â
”Reports in Spain on Saturday stated that an 'imminent' departure could be on the cards for the Osasuna star, but focus on games at the Spain camp [was the plea from those close to the Spanish FA's communication team yesterday].”
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