Myles Lewis-Skelly’s impressive end to the season will impact his transfer status this summer, and a stay for the teenager may make a move for Mateus Fernandes less likely.
Sami Mokbel reports for the BBC that whilst Arsenal had previously considered listenining to offers for Myles Lewis-Skelly this summer, the player’s strong end to the season in midfield has been noted, and could now spark a rethink.
Mokbel adds that Arsenal have discussed the merits of a move for West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, but Lewis-Skelly’s emergence may now make an Arsenal move for the relegated midfielder less likely.
Gary Jacob had reported for The Times on Monday that Fernandes was one of Arsenal’s main targets for a midfield signing, but added in another piece that West Ham have put an £80m valuation on the player.
Jacob wrote that West Ham don’t want to sell Fernandes, but they don’t have much choice after their relegation to the Championship. They need to comply with the financial rules, and that’s going to involve a number of sales.
West Ham initially signed Fernandes for £38m, with Southampton retaining a 15% sell-on clause. Given that was just a year ago, the Hammers would have to sell for a decent fee to make a reasonable profit, as the player’s book value will still be over £30m at this stage.
Ben Jacobs reports that despite Arsenal and Manchester United both considering a move for Fernandes, they hold a lower valuation of the player than the £80m West Ham want.
Jacobs adds that Fernandes doesn’t have a relegation release clause, but he is still expected to be sold.
Whether Arsenal will sign him appears to depend partly on what the club decide on Lewis-Skelly’s future, and whether they can reach a compromise on the fee.
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