Arsenal eye surprise hijack of Gabriel Martinelli replacement

Arsenal eye surprise hijack of Gabriel Martinelli replacement Make us your Google favourite Arsenal are interested in Lille youngster Matias Fernandez-Pardo , who has already greenlit a transfer to RB Leipzig . The Gunners are in the market for a replacement for Gabriel Martinelli . The Brazil international was - controversially - omitted from the Community Shield and Premier League opener by Mikel Arteta, and the direction of travel seems clear: he is leaving. After turning down a move to Galatasaray a few weeks ago, Al-Hilal have now emerged as Martinelli's most realistic destination. The 25-year-old has reportedly already greenlit the move, so it is now down to the two clubs reaching an agreement on the transfer fee. Martinelli is expected to become Arsenal's club-record sale , though it remains to be seen if Al-Hilal are willing to pay the €70 million they have been quoted for the winger. It is believed that they are currently reticent to pay more than €60m. Should a deal for Martinelli be agreed, there is optimism that Arsenal will have the financial wiggle room to make a blockbuster move for Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez. sources previously reported that the Argentine could be used on the left side of the attack rather than as an out-and-out replacement for Viktor Gyokeres. Arsenal eye Fernandez-Pardo hijack Meanwhile, claims that Arsenal are also keeping an eye on the situation of Lille winger Matias Fernandez-Pardo, who is almost a mix of Alvarez and Martinelli in that he is just as comfortable on the wing as he is at centre-forward. The Belgium international has been pushing to leave Lille all summer. However, having now sold Ayyoub Bouaddi to Man City, the Ligue 1 outfit feel under no pressure to cash in on the 21-year-old. Lille have already rejected a couple of offers from Atletico Madrid and RB Leipzig in recent times, but the latter are still pushing for a deal after the sale of Yan Diomande. reports that personal terms with Fernandez-Pardo have been broadly agreed. Whether that will be enough remains to be seen as Leipzig have so far not come close to Lille's valuation. Despite being flush with cash following Diomande's exit, the Red Bulls do not want to spend irresponsibly. This could present Arsenal with an opportunity to make a move for the young forward, but they are not the only ones keeping tabs on him. reports that Newcastle have also entered the race. It is predicted that the final week of the window will be "intense" for Fernandez-Pardo. Will Arsenal formalise their interest or will they put all their eggs in the Alvarez basket?