Transfers
Mix Trossard martinelli: Arsenal must hijack Newcastle Rapid winger
Arsenal can match Newcastle United’s reported £35 million bid for 21‑year‑old Lille winger Matias Fernandez‑Pardo, a rapid attacker whose 39 km/h pace outstrips every Premier League player since 2020/21, offering a potential solution to the Gunners’ looming left‑wing vacancy after Gabriel Martinelli’s £51 million move to Al‑Hilal.
Why Arsenal target Fernandez‑Pardo
Martinelli’s departure leaves Arsenal short on left‑wing options; Christos Tzolis is the only out‑and‑out left‑sided forward, while Eberechi Eze can be shifted if required. Fernandez‑Pardo scored eight goals and provided six assists across all competitions last season, and his 39 km/h sprint speed ranks above every Premier League player since the 2020/21 season. His expected‑assist rate sits in the 91st percentile and key‑pass rate in the 88th percentile, underscoring his creative output. The Belgian’s blend of pace and technical guile mirrors the style of Leandro Trossard, who left for Beşiktaş earlier this summer.
Arsenal have already added a Trossard‑Martinelli hybrid in Christos Tzolis, suggesting a strategic plan to rebuild the left flank. Fernandez‑Pardo’s ability to cut inside and deliver precise crosses aligns with Arteta’s emphasis on width and quick transitions. Signing him for a modest fee would complement the existing squad without inflating the wage bill. Moreover, his age of 21 provides ample development time under Mikel Arteta’s tutelage.
Implications for Arsenal and Newcastle
If Arsenal match Newcastle’s £35 million offer, the Belgian may abandon a prospective move to the north‑east in favour of North London, especially if the Premier League champions express interest. For Arsenal, the deal offers a low‑risk acquisition that can cover both left‑wing and, if needed, centre‑forward duties following Gabriel Jesus’s expected departure. Should the player not adapt, Arsenal retain the option to sell him in January or the following summer at a slight loss.
Newcastle, having tabled the £35 million bid, risk losing the player if Arsenal intervenes, which could affect their own squad planning. The club’s willingness to invest signals their intent to strengthen the attacking line, but a competing bid from Arsenal would force a reassessment of their transfer strategy. Both clubs therefore stand to gain or lose depending on the final decision.
Arsenal’s limited options are highlighted by recent missed targets: Vinicius Junior, Morgan Rogers to Chelsea, Bradley Barcola to Liverpool, and Julian Alvarez’s lack of interest in leaving Atletico Madrid. These setbacks underscore the appeal of a promising, yet affordable, talent like Fernandez‑Pardo. The Gunners’ focus now shifts to securing a rapid winger who can immediately impact the left side.
Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra By  Alfie Cairns Culshaw PM GMT+1 is a football journalist covering the Premier League for GIVEMESPORT. He joined the company in May 2024 and previously worked for SportBible, covering Liverpool and Manchester United. Alfie also creates YouTube content, writes for the Football section of GiveMeSport, and maintains an Arsenal‑focused blog with over 59,000 Instagram followers. Add Us, Here is a fact‑based summary of the story contents, and Give me a lighthearted recap whenever you need.