Ian Wright admits Man Utd jealousy in Arsenal transfer hint after argument with Roy Keane

Arsenal icon Ian Wright has revealed his desire to see his former club bring Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes to the Emirates Stadium. Despite a lacklustre domestic season for United, Fernandes has been pivotal in leading Ruben Amorim's side to Wednesday's Europa League final, where the equally inconsistent Tottenham Hotspur will be waiting.

United have endured their worst-ever Premier League campaign, yet the season could end with Fernandes lifting his third trophy as the club's captain. With Arsenal's season largely over, transfers are now beginning to dominate the headlines in north London, especially when it comes down to Real Sociedad's midfield ace Martin Zubimendi and Sporting CP's forward Viktor Gyokeres. Yet, Wright, having stood as Fernandes' staunch defender against Roy Keane, would be ecstatic if Arsenal persuaded the Portuguese maestro to join Mikel Arteta's side.

During a discussion on the Stick to Football podcast, Wright said: "I wish we had Bruno Fernandes. I wish we had Bruno. I would love to have him at Arsenal."

Wright’s backing of Fernandes has been consistent, especially in response to Keane’s sharp critiques. After one instance where the ex-Gunner championed Fernandes on the podcast last month, an exasperated Keane replied: "Ah Wrighty, I've had enough of that rubbish! You watch United every week, we focus more on United. Sit and watch a game with him! People pretend to be closing people down.

"Talent is not enough! You keep going back to talent - Bruno's a talented player, but it's not enough! Who were you in the dressing room with, Tony Adams! Tony Adams was this, Tony Adams was that, because he was a fighter! You've got young players who have to look at somebody and go, 'I like what he does.' They all can't put the ball in the top of the net from 25 yards, I get that, but you want someone who's going, 'Lads, are you with me? Are you with me?'"

In defence of the Portuguese ace, Wright said: "Maybe he's not that kind of captain, Roy, I'm with you, but what he's doing in respect of... saving you, playing that pass, the goal. If Bruno's not there, United are in the relegation battle."

It's doubtful Arsenal would pursue him, given that Mikel Arteta already has Martin Odegaard leading as club captain and Declan Rice pushing forward more frequently. The potential addition of Zubimendi would further allow Odegaard and others to take up advanced roles, while Kai Havertz might also find himself with more chances behind a striker if Arsenal add a new centre-forward such as Gyokeres. Moreover, a transfer of a key player like Fernandes to a direct rival looks highly unlikely.

The contract of the ex-Sporting star is set to expire in the summer of 2027, but there seems to be no indication that he's seeking a move away from Old Trafford. However, reports from the Daily Star at the end of March suggested Real Madrid were contemplating a surprise £90million bid for the midfielder.

If United suffer defeat in the final in Bilbao on Wednesday, then Fernandes, who has been with the club since January 2020, will have to confront the prospect of another season without Champions League football, despite his undeniable talent. United have had a disappointing season, but he has still managed to rack up 19 goals and 19 assists across all competitions.

His statistics significantly outshine those of Odegaard, who has found it difficult to match his performances from the 2023/24 season. The Norwegian has only managed to score five goals and provide 11 assists this season, compared to the previous campaign when he racked up 11 goals and 12 assists.