Top News

Arsenal are still in the market for a left-winger in the final days of the transfer window.

Arsenal have reportedly been “seduced” by an unexpected option to strengthen their attack.

That is according to a fresh report, with the Gunners running short of time to land a new forward before the transfer window shuts next week, while moves for their major targets have failed to make progress over the past few weeks.

Arsenal have already replaced one Belgian this summer in Leandro Trossard – but could they now be set to sign one of his international team-mates as well?

Sport Witness has passed on details from Sky Deutschland and Foot Mercato regarding Belgian World Cup star Matias Fernandez-Pardo, who is believed to be close to joining RB Leipzig.

The East German club have identified the Lille player as one of two options, alongside former star Christopher Nkunku, while Newcastle United are also preparing a final offer of around €60 million for Fernandez-Pardo, according to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri.

Sport Witness adds that Leipzig already have an agreement in principle, but Arsenal have been “seduced by his explosive qualities” and are “aware they need an astronomical fee of €70m” to hijack a deal for the player, who was a surprise call-up for the 2026 World Cup.

FourFourTwo understands that Newcastle remain the favourites to sign Fernandez-Pardo, although Arsenal’s shortage of alternatives could still result in a shock move suddenly gathering pace.

Gabriel Martinelli is said to be close to a £50m move to Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, and time is running out for Mikel Arteta to find a replacement, with Julian Alvarez apparently not interested in leaving Spain and Kenan Yildiz having signed a contract extension with Juventus earlier in 2026.

The Gunners have also been linked with players such as Bradley Barcola and Victor Osimhen.

Arsenal have acted smartly in the market before when bringing in a player with Belgian links, signing Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for the left-wing role as Trossard’s replacement – and Fernandez-Pardo has also played in the Pro League.

The 21-year-old came through Lille’s academy, moved to Gent in 2020 and then returned across the border in 2024, where he has gone on to make 71 appearances for Les Dogues.

The winger made his senior international debut only this year, opting to represent his country of birth, Belgium, ahead of Spain and Italy, both of whom he was eligible to play for through his ancestry.

According to Transfermarkt, Fernandez-Pardo is valued at €35m. Arsenal face Aston Villa when Premier League action resumes next weekend.