Arsenal have added Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo to their shortlist as Mikel Arteta continues to explore attacking options before the transfer window closes.
The Gunners have already made a strong start to their Premier League title defence, beating newly promoted Coventry City 3-0 on the opening weekend.
However, despite adding several new faces to the squad this summer, Arteta remains keen to strengthen his forward line further.
Fernandez-Pardo has now emerged as a potential target, with Arsenal reportedly monitoring the 21-year-old alongside a number of other European clubs.
According to Foot Mercato, Lille would consider selling Fernandez-Pardo if they receive an offer worth around €70 million.
Arsenal are not the only club interested, with Atletico Madrid and RB Leipzig also said to be keeping tabs on the Belgium international.
Matias Fernandez-Pardo Wants a New Challenge Away From Lille
The potential move could be helped by Fernandez-Pardo's own desire to find a new challenge.
The forward has reportedly made it clear that he would like to leave Lille this summer and even refused to feature in a pre-season friendly against Everton.
Fernandez-Pardo’s situation has also drawn greater attention following Lille’s decision to allow fellow youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi to join Manchester City.
Despite the player's apparent desire to leave, Lille have publicly maintained that they have no intention of selling.
Sporting director Sylvain Armand reiterated the club's stance over the weekend, describing Fernandez-Pardo as an important player.
“Matias Fernandez-Pardo is a very important player. We’re counting on him.”
Armand also suggested that the prospect of the forward leaving is not currently something Lille are actively considering.
Fernandez-Pardo remains under contract with the French club until 2029, meaning the French club are under little pressure to sell and are in a strong position to demand a substantial transfer fee.
Why Arsenal Are Still Searching for More Attacking Options
Arsenal's interest comes after a busy summer in north London.
The Gunners have already strengthened across the squad, with Bruno Guimaraes and Ezri Konsa among their notable additions.
Christos Tzolis has also arrived and made an immediate impression on the left wing during Arsenal's opening-day victory over Coventry.
The Greece international has added another option on the left following Leandro Trossard’s move to Besiktas.
However, Arteta appears to want even more attacking depth as Arsenal prepare for another season competing on multiple fronts.
The club previously missed out on Morgan Rogers, who opted to join Chelsea, while their pursuit of Vinicius Junior ended with the Real Madrid forward committing his future to the Spanish giants.
Arsenal are also continuing to monitor the situation surrounding Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, although contingency options are being considered should the Argentina international remain in Spain or move to Barcelona.
Fernandez-Pardo could therefore represent another route for Arsenal to add more versatility and competition in the final third.
Gabriel Martinelli’s Future Could Influence Arsenal’s Transfer Plans
Another factor in Arsenal's attacking plans is the future of Gabriel Martinelli.
The Brazil international has reportedly been told he is surplus to requirements by Arteta after being left out of Arsenal's opening two matchday squads.
Martinelli has already rejected a move to Galatasaray but is reportedly open to a switch to the Saudi Pro League.
Al-Hilal are said to be preparing an opening offer worth around £50 million for the winger.
Should Martinelli leave, Arsenal would have an additional space to fill in their forward line, potentially increasing the importance of their pursuit of Fernandez-Pardo.
The Belgian could offer Arteta another option across the attacking positions, while his age would also fit Arsenal's strategy of building a squad capable of competing at the highest level for years to come.
For now, though, Lille's reported €70m valuation represents a significant hurdle.
With Fernandez-Pardo contracted until 2029 and interest coming from several clubs, Arsenal may have to decide whether the highly-rated youngster is worth making a major investment in before deadline day.
