Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta
Versatile young forwards who can operate across the front three attract interest from multiple Premier League clubs. Valuations that remain well above previous bids keep selling clubs in a strong position. Players pressing to leave still require their current side to accept an offer.
Belgian internationals who impressed at the World Cup rise quickly up scouting lists. Clubs that have already sold key assets feel less pressure to cash in on remaining talents. Close monitoring does not always lead to a formal bid before the deadline.
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Arsenal are monitoring Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo “very closely”, according to reports in France. The 21-year-old Belgian international is pressing to leave but Lille will only sanction a departure if their valuation is met.
Foot Mercato report that the Gunners have added the winger to their list of targets. Atletico Madrid and RB Leipzig have already had bids turned down, while Newcastle, Manchester United and Liverpool have also shown interest.
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Lille want a fee in the region of €70million, around £60million. Previous offers of €40million from Atletico and €35million from Leipzig fell well short. The French club are not under pressure to sell after agreeing a significant deal to send Ayyoub Bouaddi to Manchester City.
Sporting director Sylvain Armand said at the weekend: “Matias Fernandez-Pardo is a very important player. We’re counting on him. Talking about Matias leaving isn’t necessarily on the table right now.”
Fernandez-Pardo is in his second spell at Lille after returning from Gent in a €11.5million deal two years ago. Born in Brussels, he chose to represent Belgium and made his competitive debut at the World Cup in June. He has pace and can play as a winger or centre-forward, with 30 starts on the wing and 19 through the middle for Lille.
Supporters will note the interest with caution given the high asking price. Arsenal continue to assess attacking options in the final week of the window. Further updates are expected only if Lille soften their stance or a formal bid is submitted.
Fabrizio Romano
Fabrizio Romano