Belgium international Matias Fernandez-Pardo has formally requested a transfer from Lille, according to reports, with Premier League trio Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool all linked with the 21-year-old forward.
Fernandez-Pardo seeks summer exit
The versatile attacker, who joined Lille from Gent for €10 million (£8.5m) in 2024, has registered 12 goals and 11 assists in 71 appearances for the French side. His performances earned him a call-up to Belgium's squad for the 2026 World Cup, where he made three substitute appearances during their run to the quarter-finals.
French outlet L'Equipe reports that Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool are among the clubs interested in Fernandez-Pardo, who has three years remaining on his contract. Spanish giants Atletico Madrid have also been credited with interest.
Lille president insists star is not for sale
Despite the transfer request, Lille president Olivier Letang has stated that Fernandez-Pardo will not be sold this summer. 'The player is under contract until 2029, and his departure is not a topic,' Letang said. 'We are counting on him, he knows that, and we have been very clear with him.'
When asked about a release clause, Letang added: 'He never had a release clause. Every player I told could leave has left. It's the same old story as last summer, with yet another new agent.'
Lille face battle to keep Bouaddi
While Fernandez-Pardo appears likely to stay, Lille may struggle to retain teenage midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. The 18-year-old impressed at the World Cup, attracting interest from several top clubs, with Manchester City reportedly leading the race after direct talks with Lille.
Letang hinted that City would need to pay a record fee to secure Bouaddi, comparing his value to that of Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali. 'How much have players like Anderson or Tonali been sold for, who are much older, but without room for improvement, so you have an idea of the value of Ayyoub, who has a unique profile at only 18 years old,' he told Eurosport.
Letang also praised Bouaddi's potential, saying: 'Having worked with him for over three years, I can say he's an extraordinary young man, unique in every way. He belongs among the true sportsmen like Victor Wembanyama, Paul Seixas, Leon Marchand, or Kylian Mbappe.'
