Arsenal and Liverpool have suffered a blow as Lille have closed the door on Matias Fernandez-Pardo’s exit. The 21-year-old handed in a transfer request, but the Ligue1 side have turned it down.
Speaking to the media, Lille president Olivier Létang has revealed that they will not entertain a transfer for their star player. He claimed that the player has a contract until 2029, and have told him that they will reject all bids and inquiries.
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“The player is under contract until 2029, and his departure is not a topic. We are counting on him, he knows that, and we have been very clear with him.” (via GFFN)
Fernandez-Pardo has 12 goals and 11 assists for Lille in his 71 matches and was looking to take the next step in his career. The forward is seen as the club’s main striker, and coach Davide Ancelotti made his stance clear.
The French side have Hamza Igamane on the sidelines following his ACL injury earlier this year. He is expected to return to training later this year, while the other choice is Olivier Giroud, who is in the twilight of his career.
Arsenal and Liverpool saw the summer as the ideal time to push for the youngster, as he is gaining more attention from other clubs’ scouts. Chelsea and Atletico Madrid were also linked with the Belgian, but are yet to make a move for the striker who played 44 minutes at the FIFA World Cup.
Arsenal and Liverpool battling for Bradley Barcola
Matias Fernandez-Pardo is reportedly not the only player on the radar for both Arsenal and Liverpool. The two Premier League side are also keen on PSG star Bradley Barcola, who is looking to leave the Ligue 1 side.
The two sides are using the summer window to bolster their attack, but have not signed the main targets yet. The Gunners have swooped in for Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for £34 million, but are not done.
Mikel Arteta’s side are pushing for Vinicius Jr from Real Madrid as well, but are yet to make an official move for him. The Brazilian has been made their top target for the summer, following the hijacking of the Morgan Rogers deal by Chelsea for a stunning £117 million.
Liverpool are also in the market for a winger as Mohamed Salah has left the club. They have signed Victor Munoz, but are looking for more firepower.
Edited by Sripad
