Fernandes, 21, joined West Ham United from Southampton for £38 million last summer after the Saints were relegated from the Premier League. He made 36 appearances for the Hammers this season and was one of their standout performers despite the club finishing 18th and dropping into the Championship.
United manager Michael Carrick has identified Fernandes as a target in his midfield rebuild. Arsenal are also keen, with manager Mikel Arteta drawn to the Portuguese's technical quality and ability to combine pressing and carrying the ball in tight spaces. Atletico Madrid have a longstanding interest. Aston Villa are also monitoring the situation alongside their pursuit of Morgan Rogers.
West Ham are under financial pressure to raise over £100 million in sales this summer following relegation. Fernandes is contracted until June 2030 and will attract the full £80 million the club are demanding given his age, contract length and performance level — even accounting for their drop to the second tier.
His international recognition has grown throughout the season. Fernandes made his senior Portugal debut in April 2026 and has been included in Roberto Martínez's World Cup squad, a platform that can only increase competition for his signature when the tournament concludes.