Arsenal have added Lille's Matias Fernandez-Pardo to their list of targets as they seek to sign a new forward before the transfer window closes. The Gunners began their Premier League title defence with a 3-0 win over newly promoted Coventry City last Friday.
Arsenal's transfer plans
Summer recruit Christos Tzolis impressed on the left-wing, already looking a smart replacement for Leandro Trossard, who joined Besiktas earlier this month. New signings Bruno Guimaraes and Ezri Konsa will add Premier League experience once deemed ready, but Mikel Arteta remains keen to strengthen his forward line further.
Arsenal missed out on Morgan Rogers, who chose Chelsea, and their pursuit of Vinicius Junior ended when the Real Madrid star signed a new contract. The English champions are monitoring Julian Alvarez's situation at Atletico Madrid, but are drawing up contingency plans should the Argentina international stay or move to Barcelona.
Fernandez-Pardo's desire to leave
Fernandez-Pardo, 21, has made no secret of his desire to leave Lille this summer. He refused to play in a friendly against Everton and had hoped for a move, especially after Ayyoub Bouaddi was allowed to join Manchester City. He is under contract until 2029, and publicly Lille are adamant he won't be sold.
Sporting director Sylvain Armand said: 'Matias Fernandez-Pardo is a very important player. We're counting on him. Talking about Mathias leaving isn't necessarily on the table right now.'
According to Footmercato, however, Lille would consider an offer in the region of €70 million, with Atletico and RB Leipzig also interested in the Belgium international.
Martinelli's potential exit
To make room in their squad, Arsenal are ready to part with Gabriel Martinelli. The Brazil international has been told he is surplus to requirements by Arteta, having been left out of the last two matchday squads. After rejecting a move to Galatasaray, Martinelli is open to moving to the Saudi Pro League, with Al-Hilal set to table an opening offer of around £50 million.
