(Credit: Imago)

Callum O'Connell

Thu 14 May 2026 9:47, UK

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Mateus Fernandes is growing increasingly likely to leave West Ham this summer after Aston Villa joined multiple rivals in the race for his signature.

The 21-year-old has been a shining light under Nuno Espirito Santo since his move from Southampton last year and has attracted a number of admirers in the process.

With West Ham currently 18th in the Premier League table and just two games away from relegation, those interested clubs are keeping a close eye on him.

Former Aston Villa scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Unai Emery’s side are the latest to join the race and hope to lure Fernandes to Villa Park.

Emery is determined to add more bite to what is currently seen as a fairly passive midfield, while there could also be departures in a big window for Aston Villa.

Will Mateus Fernandes leave West Ham this summer?

Football Insider revealed on 8 May that West Ham will struggle to keep Fernandes and relegation would make it “impossible” for him to remain in East London.

The Hammers’ financial situation also means they could be forced to sell players, and the Portugal midfielder will likely be top of any list of major sales.

Aston Villa’s interest comes alongside that of the likes of Man United and Man City, with England’s top clubs keeping a close eye on his situation.

“Any top club who need a new midfielder will be looking at Fernandes,” Brown told Football Insider.

“He’s been a real standout player for West Ham since he joined last year and he’s made such a huge difference to the midfield.

“Aston Villa, for example, if they’re going to lose a couple of players and want to strengthen in that position, they could certainly do with a player like him.

“The problem with their current midfielders, the players like Douglas Luiz, Ross Barkley, Youri Tielemans, if they don’t really have that combative player.

“They want somebody who can put their foot in and win the ball, and then move it on and progress the play, it’s a similar problem to what West Ham had.

“Fernandes has gone in at West Ham and really changed how that midfield operates, and he could do the same thing at Aston Villa now.

“So they’ll certainly be keeping a close eye on things at West Ham and if he’s going to be available I think he would be a perfect option for them.”

Why do Aston Villa want to sign Fernandes?

Aston Villa’s interest in the West Ham star comes as they may now face midfield problems of their own, with multiple players being linked with moves away.

Douglas Luiz is set to leave the club when his loan deal expires as things stand, while their other star players have emerged as targets for a number of top sides.

Brown told Football Insider on 12 May that Aston Villa could struggle to keep Youri Tielemans as interest in the Belgium international has grown in recent weeks.

The 29-year-old remains an important part of Emery’s squad, but a “huge” offer could be enough to lure him away from Villa Park when the window opens.

This comes as a result of financial restrictions which could force them to sell before they buy in what may force a significant reshuffle of the squad.