Lille respond to Arsenal interest in £60m attacker as transfer race explodes | OneFootball

Lille have set their asking price for Matias Fernandez-Pardo after Arsenal are ‘seduced’ by the Belgian’s talents, according to reports.

The Gunners have added quality over quantity in the summer transfer market with Christos Tzolis, Bruno Guimaraes and Ezri Konsa their standout signings this summer.

Arsenal are still looking to bring in another left-sided or versatile attacker with the Gunners having a number of targets they are keeping an eye on.

Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta decided against spending £117m on Morgan Rogers this summer with Chelsea meeting that asking price to bring the England international to Stamford Bridge.

Julian Alvarez is one player who Arsenal want to sign this summer but any move is being complicated by the fact that the Argentina international wants a transfer to Barcelona over all other options.

Alvarez was booed throughout Atletico Madrid’s 2-2 draw against Villarreal by fans and the forward was seen heading down the tunnel before all of his team-mates, who stayed on the pitch to clap the supporters.

There have been rumours that Alvarez’s stance on moving to Arsenal has started to soften as it become clear that a move to Barcelona this summer is impossible.

Reliable journalist Ben Jacobs recently revealed that Arsenal are ready to make a bid for the Argentina international if given any encouragement.

Jacobs said: “Arsenal will move for Julian Alvarez if they’re given any encouragement – it’s a big if. Outgoings are going to be important if a deal of that magnitude or another expensive player for an equivalent number becomes available.”

Arsenal ‘seduced’ by Fernandez-Pardo

But Arsenal are also looking at other options to improve their attack too with Lille winger Fernandez-Pardo, who can also play as a forward, now being added to their shorlist before the end of the window.

Foot Mercato are claiming that Arsenal have ‘placed the Belgian striker on its attacking shortlist and is monitoring his situation very closely’.

The report adds: ‘Seduced by the explosive qualities of the former Gent player, the Gunners remain on the lookout for any opportunity, even though they know full well that they will have to approach the astronomical sum demanded by LOSC to have any hope of swaying the northern club’s board.

‘Between a player eager to take the next step in his career with a European giant and a Lille club determined not to sell off its raw talent cheaply, the situation promises to be explosive until the final whistle of the transfer window. Unless a club decides to write a massive check for €70 million, Fernandez-Pardo will have no choice but to settle into a more subdued role under Davide Ancelotti.’

Jacobs also revealed over the weekend that Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal are making progress in a late deal to sign Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal.

He posted on X: ‘Al-Hilal in talks for Gabriel Martinelli and are prepared to pay close to £50m.

‘Martinelli has become open to Saudi, having also received an approach last summer.

‘Arsenal willing to sell. Martinelli has already been told #AFC want to move him on.’