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Arsenal transfer news## Arsenal are one of a few clubs linked with an interest in the Belgium international this summer
12:33, 29 Jul 2026
Lille striker Matias Fernandez-Pardo has reportedly handed in a transfer request amid interest from Arsenal and Chelsea. However, the French club are taking a defiant stance.
The 21-year-old has had some extra time off due to his participation in the World Cup, where he was with the Belgium squad. He is expected to rejoin training next weekend, but has already made his stance clear.
L’Equipe reports that he has told Lille that he would like to leave the club this summer. The report adds that Arsenal, along with Liverpool, Chelsea and Atletico Madrid, have all shown an interest in signing him.
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A meeting between the player, his new agent and Lille president Oliver Letang is said to have taken place on Tuesday. However, the club chief outlined his clear stance.
He then made that even clearer in quotes shared by L’Equipe. "The player is under contract until 2029, and his departure is not an issue,” he said.
“We are counting on him, he knows that, and we have been very clear with him."
Fernandez-Pardo is expected to be first choice for the French club in the upcoming season, with fellow striker Hamza Igamane recovering from an ACL injury suffered in the Africa Cup of Nations final back in January. He will be given support by 40-year-old Olivier Giroud.
Lille are also said to be keen on keeping the striker for the Champions League, with the club hoping that his performances in the competition can raise both his profile and his transfer value.
Fernandez-Pardo joined Lille from Gent in 2024 for a €10 million (£8.6m) two years ago. In his 71 appearances for the club in all competitions, he has scored 12 goals and provided 11 assists.
It’s reported that the youngster has been considering a move for almost a year, but Letang had a message.
“He never had a release clause,” he added. “Every player I told could leave has left. It's the same old story as last summer, with yet another new agent.”
Arsenal currently have three recognised strikers on their books in Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
Concentration for Mikel Arteta’s side is on bringing in a wider player, with Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr emerging as a priority target.
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Chelsea, meanwhile, could be in the market for a forward if Nicolas Jackson leaves the club. Jackson is a target for Aston Villa.
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