Arsenal have added Lille winger Matias Fernandez-Pardo to their list of targets as they look to strengthen their forward line before the transfer window closes. The Gunners, who began their Premier League title defence with a 3-0 win over Coventry City, are also preparing to sell Gabriel Martinelli, with Al-Hilal set to make a £50m offer.
Arsenal's transfer plans and current squad
Mikel Arteta's side are keen to add more firepower despite a strong start to the season. Summer signings Christos Tzolis, Bruno Guimaraes, and Ezri Konsa have already arrived, but the manager remains eager to bolster his attacking options further. Arsenal missed out on Morgan Rogers, who joined Chelsea, and their pursuit of Vinicius Junior ended when the Real Madrid star signed a new contract.
The club are also monitoring Julian Alvarez's situation at Atletico Madrid, but are drawing up contingency plans in case the Argentina international stays or moves to Barcelona. Fernandez-Pardo has emerged as a key alternative, with the 21-year-old making no secret of his desire to leave Lille this summer.
Lille's stance and potential fee
Lille's sporting director Sylvain Armand has publicly insisted the club will not sell Fernandez-Pardo, saying: "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."
However, according to Footmercato, Lille would consider offers in the region of €70 million. Atletico Madrid and RB Leipzig are also interested in the Belgium international, who is under contract until 2029. Fernandez-Pardo refused to play in a friendly against Everton this summer, hoping for a move, especially after seeing teammate Ayyoub Bouaddi join Manchester City.
Gabriel Martinelli's expected departure
To make room in the 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. Martinelli rejected a move to Galatasaray but is now open to joining the Saudi Pro League, with Al-Hilal set to make an opening offer of around £50 million.
Arsenal's transfer activity could see them make a significant profit on Martinelli, who has been a long-serving player at the club. The potential sale would free up funds and wages for a new signing like Fernandez-Pardo, allowing Arteta to further shape his squad for the title defence.
