Arsenal target Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo for €70m as deadline looms

Arsenal have placed Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo on their transfer radar as the summer window draws to a close, seeking to add another attacking option after an unsuccessful attempt to sign Vinicius Junior. The 21-year-old recorded eight goals and five assists in Ligue 1, contributing to Lille's Champions League qualification and posting strong figures in progressive carries, dribbles and accurate crosses. Lille are asking roughly €70 million for the Belgium international and have already rejected bids of about €40 million from Atletico Madrid and RB Leipzig.

The French side is under no pressure to sell, especially as midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi is close to a €100 million transfer to Manchester City. Arsenal are also watching Julian Alvarez at Atletico Madrid, though the Argentine appears focused on Barcelona.