Arsenal urged to sign £42m Man Utd target: 'He's better than Martin Zubimendi'

Mateus Fernandes is wanted by Arsenal and Manchester United (PA Wire)

Arsenal should beat Manchester United to the signing of West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes this summer, according to Gabriel Agbonlahor.

United and Arsenal are both looking to strengthen their midfield options in the upcoming transfer window and have expressed an interest in signing Fernandes .

The 21-year-old, who West Ham signed in a £42 million deal from Southampton last summer, has also been recommended to United’s hierarchy by his countryman Bruno Fernandes .

Fernandes’ future is currently uncertain with West Ham facing the prospect of being relegated from the Premier League this season.

But Agbonlahor believes Fernandes would be an excellent fit for Arsenal and would even represent an upgrade on Martin Zubimendi , who joined Mikel Arteta’s side from Real Sociedad for £51m last year.

Mateus Fernandes is better than Martin Zubimendi, claims Gabriel Agbonlahor (Getty)

‘He’s a top, top midfielder,’ Agbonlahor told talkSPORT .

‘West Ham will be dying to stay in the Premier League . Obviously that won’t keep him.

‘The likes of himself, [Crysencio] Summerville and [Jarrod] Bowen will leave if West Ham get relegated.

‘I think he’s a better player than Zubimendi, I really do. I’m not sure about the hype with Zubimendi.

‘Lewis-Skelly’s taken his place now but to add numbers and strengthen [I would sign Fernandes].

‘I think he could have his pick of Premier League clubs. I rate him highly.’