Arsenal have Matias Fernandez-Pardo on their attacking shortlist, but reports say Lille are demanding €70 million, a valuation that could put the move on hold. The club remain interested in a left-sided or versatile attacker despite summer additions and prior decisions around big-money business. According to Football365.com.
Lille’s €70m valuation puts Fernandez-Pardo move under severe strain
The size of Lille’s asking price has transformed what began as routine scouting into a potential deal-breaker for Arsenal. Reports place Matias Fernandez-Pardo on the Gunners’ attacking shortlist but suggest the French club are holding out for €70 million, a figure that will make negotiations difficult.
Arsenal’s recruitment this summer has not closed the window for another wide option. Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta added Christos Tzolis, Bruno Guimaraes and Ezri Konsa but decided against spending £117m on Morgan Rogers, with Chelsea meeting that asking price to bring the England international to Stamford Bridge.
Julian Alvarez remains a named target for Arsenal, yet his preference for Barcelona complicates any move. The Argentina international was booed throughout Atletico Madrid’s 2-2 draw with Villarreal and was seen heading down the tunnel before team-mates, while journalist Ben Jacobs reports Arsenal would act only if they received encouragement and if outgoings make a large operation possible.
Spanish outlet Foot Mercato claims Arsenal have “placed the Belgian striker on its attacking shortlist and is monitoring his situation very closely.” The report describes Fernandez-Pardo as a former Gent player and says Lille are demanding an astronomical sum that would likely keep him at the club under Davide Ancelotti unless met.
Journalist Ben Jacobs posted on X: “Al-Hilal in talks for Gabriel Martinelli and are prepared to pay close to £50m.” Jacobs adds Martinelli has become open to a Saudi move after a previous approach, and reports the Arsenal hierarchy are prepared to move him on if a suitable offer arrives.
