Where next for Matheus Pereira? West Ham, Leicester City, Everton and more?
Matheus Pereira had an impressive breakthrough season in the Premier League despite being relegated with West Bromwich Albion. He is now attracting a lot of attention from top flight clubs.
It's no secret that several clubs including West Ham United, Leicester City and Everton have been sniffing around the Brazilian.
But could he stay with the Baggies to help them return to the Premier League next season?
Planet Sport runs you through the bookies favourites to sign the highly-rated midfielder.
Stay at West Brom
The bookies favourite currently is for the midfielder to stay at West Brom.
Pereira isn't acting like someone who wants to stay at The Hawthorns, and is apparently giving minimal effort in training.
West Ham United
Europa League contenders West Ham are searching for some new attacking input to help them achieve both League and European success.
With Felipe Anderson leaving for Lazio, Manuel Lanzini struggling to recapture his form, Jesse Lingard staying at Manchester United, and Jared Bowen a possible target for Liverpool, David Moyes is eyeing up Pereira as his number one target.
🚨 Matheus Pereira Update
— COYIrons (@COYIrons_com) July 28, 2021
West Ham have offered €15m for the 25 year old but West Brom want €25m. Leicester are also interested and are expected to make a formal offer soon.
[@Ekremkonur] pic.twitter.com/Jpkad9N5oc
After agreeing not to play in any pre-season matches for West Brom the deal could be closing in, especially with Pereira keen on the idea of playing in Europe.
Leicester City
The Foxes are also on the hunt for Pereira's signature this summer.
After securing European soccer next season, the Brazilian will certainly be looking at the opportunity to play for the FA Cup holders.
Leicester are in need for a potential replacement for midfielder James Maddison, who has attracted Arsenal's attention. However, nothing is set in stone just yet with the bookies favouring the England midfielder to stay at the King Power.
Everton
New Everton boss Rafael Benitez will want to improve on the Toffee's previous Premier League campaign by adding a new spark of creativity and talent to the dressing room.
The Blues' have already signed Andros Townsend to bolster their attack and Pereira would link up well with the former Crystal Palace winger on the opposite flank.
Everton have completed the signing of free agent Andros Townsend on a two-year deal.
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 20, 2021
However, as well as the bookies not favouring this transfer, Everton don't look that fussed either. Their attention Everton appears to be focused on the signing of Leon Bailey or Dwight McNeil.
Leeds United
Pereira could be making a move to reunite with Brazilian teammate Raphinha at Leeds. Marcelo Bielsa is hoping to sign a number 10 and a winger this transfer window, and the 25-year-old ticks both boxes.
His attacking creativity will certainly fit Leeds well, as they hope to improve on fantastic first season back in the top flight.
Crystal Palace
Despite Crystal Palace entering a new Patrick Vieira-fuelled era, it seems that Pereira has already turned down the chance to move to south London.
Proud and excited to be part of this new journey. I want to thank the @CPFC board for their trust & thank the fans for the amount of support I've been getting for the past few days. I can't wait to see you there, back where it all started @premierleague. Come on you Eagles 🦅❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/fa8BO6LZgW
— Patrick Vieira (@OfficialVieira) July 4, 2021
Similarly to Leeds United, Crystal Palace could already be out of the race for the Brazilian due to the midfielder wanting to play in Europe next season.
This new young Eagles side could do with a little magic from Pereira; however it seems that he has already made his mind up.
Norwich
With Norwich returning to the Premier League for the 2021/22 season, they are an outside chance of bringing the midfielder to Carrow Road this summer.
The Canaries are seen as a yo-yo club and though signing Pereira would be seen as a big coup would he want another season in a relegation dogfight?
Aston Villa
This could hinge on Jack Grealish moving to Manchester City this summer. If he does Aston Villa will be in desperate need of a replacement.
The Villains are hoping for a better campaign in 2021/22 after finishing in a 11th place last season. With Grealish lured by the potential of winning the Premier League and Champions League, never mind the wages he will be on, a big hole will need to be filled.
Although at this current moment in time Grealish hasn't left his boyhood club, Dean Smith may be forced to step up his pursuit of the Brazilian soon.
Arsenal
The Gunners are eyeing up potential attacking midfielders to sign this summer transfer window, with deals for James Maddison and Martin Odegaard reportedly on the table.
However, Mikel Arteta's side are not in a European competition, and the north London side are currently going through another rebuild.
Does the Brazilian really want to step into another frying pan?