Chelsea are preparing to challenge Manchester City for the signature of West Ham midfielder Matues Fernandes ahead of the summer transfer window.
The 21-year-old Portuguese midfielder has emerged as one of the standout performers at the London Stadium this season and is now attracting interest from some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs.
Chelsea endured a quiet January window and did not add to Liam Rosenior’s squad, but the club are expected to move aggressively once the season ends.
The Blues currently sit fifth in the Premier League and remain firmly in the hunt for Champions League qualification, while also continuing their FA Cup run after beating Hull City in the fourth round.
Fernandes has become a key figure for West Ham owing to the departure of Lucas Paquetá. Despite the Hammers’ struggles near the bottom of the table, the midfielder has been one of their most consistent performers and has played regularly under Nuno Espírito Santo.
Manchester City have already been linked with the Portugal Under-21 international, but Chelsea are now in the picture for the young, talented midfielder.
Journalist Aaron Ramiro revealed that Chelsea made contact with West Ham during the January window to explore a possible move, although the Hammers were unwilling to sell mid-season.
“Chelsea made contact with West Ham United in January regarding a potential transfer for highly rated 21-year-old Portuguese midfielder Mateus Fernandes, as the Blues sought to bolster their midfield options, but West Ham has no plan to sanction exit”, Ramiro wrote on X.
Fernandes joined West Ham from Southampton last summer in a deal worth £42 million and has quickly established himself as a pivotal part of the first team for the Hammers.
He has made 24 appearances across competitions this season, scoring three goals and providing three assists.
Chelsea are expected to return with a fresh bid once the summer window opens, as they look to strengthen a squad pushing for a place back among Europe’s steady elite.
