8 goals, 7 assists, 21 years old. Recruited for 11.5 million euros at Gent last year, Matias Fernandez-Pardo is now valued between 50 and 60 million. Arsenal, Manchester City, and Atletico Madrid are vying for his signature. And the Gunners have an argument that the others do not.
Less than a year ago, Matias Fernandez-Pardo arrived in Lille with relative obscurity. A 20-year-old Belgian-Spanish winger, developed between Gent and Lille, was recruited for 11.5 million euros with the hope that he would live up to his potential. A few months later, the name of the Brussels native is being discussed at the Emirates Stadium, Etihad, and at Atletico Madrid. The quiet young man has become one of the hottest topics of 2026.
City makes the first move, Arsenal counterattacks
According to information from several English media sources, Manchester City took the first step by directly contacting the player’s representatives in recent days to present a sporting project. But Arsenal did not wait long to retaliate – and in the most effective way possible. The Gunners reportedly activated their privileged relationship with Lille, cultivated over several years and transfers, to bypass City’s approach. Where Manchester seeks to lure the player, Arsenal is also working with the Lille management behind the scenes. A difference in approach that could carry significant weight.
Atletico plays the Simeone card
The third player in this story, Atletico Madrid, has pulled out a strong card: Diego Simeone himself is said to have been convinced by Fernandez-Pardo’s profile, and the player’s entourage has been promised a guaranteed starting place in the Madrid lineup. For a 21-year-old player on the rise, it’s an offer hard to ignore. At Arsenal or City, the competition in attack is fierce. In Madrid, the promise of playing time is a reality.
Lille sets the price and will not sell cheaply
On their part, Lille is not willing to sell – at least, not at any price. Under contract until June 2029, Fernandez-Pardo is valued between 50 and 60 million euros by the northern club, including bonuses. A sum that the three contenders can absorb, but places Lille in a position of total strength in negotiations. Bruno Genesio, who will be out of contract in June, has set the scene in his recent statements: the player still needs to prove his consistency, be able to reproduce his best performances week after week. There is no question of selling an asset that is increasing in value.
A trajectory reminiscent of the Lille model
In 39 matches in all competitions this season, Fernandez-Pardo has scored 8 goals and provided 7 assists. At 21 years old, these numbers recall the business model that has made Lille’s reputation in recent years: smart acquisitions, rapid development, and massive sales. Gent will likely receive a percentage of the resale. They were right to let him go.
The summer transfer window of 2026 has not officially opened yet. And Matias Fernandez-Pardo is already a central figure.
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