Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool target hands in transfer request to force move

Matias Fernandez-Pardo featured for Belgium at the World Cup (Picture: Getty)

Belgium World Cup star Matias Fernandez-Pardo has asked to leave Lille amid speculation linking him with Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea.

Fernandez-Pardo came through the academy at Gent before being snapped up by Lille for €10million (£8.5m) in the summer of 2024.

The versatile forward has gone on to register 12 goals and 11 assists in 71 games for the French side, with his form earning him a call-up to Belgium’s squad for this summer’s World Cup.

And while Fernandez-Pardo only appeared three times off the bench during Belgium’s run to the quarter-final, the 21-year-old has attracted interest from a host of top European clubs.

Reports in French outlet L’Equipe suggest that Premier League trio Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool are all interested in Fernandez-Pardo.

Spanish giants Atletico Madrid have also been credited with interest in the young forward.

Keen to force a move to a bigger club this summer, it is said that Fernandez-Paro has handed in a transfer request to Lille despite having three years left on his contract.

Fernandez Pardo has handed in a transfer request (Picture: Reuters)

However, at this stage, the Belgian appears likely to stay put, with Lille president Olivier Letang insisting Fernandez-Pardo is not for sale this summer.

‘The player is under contract until 2029, and his departure is not a topic,’ Letang said. ‘We are counting on him, he knows that, and we have been very clear with him.’

Asked if the player had a release clause, Letang hit back: ‘He never had a release clause. Every player I told could leave has left.

‘It’s the same old story as last summer, with yet another new agent.’

The young forward has made 71 appearances for Lille (Picture: Reuters)

While Fernandez-Pardo appears unlikely to leave, Lille could face a far bigger fight on their hands to keep hold of talented central midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi after his breakout performances at the World Cup.

Several top clubs have been linked with the 18-year-old, but it appears that Manchester City are leading the race to sign the teenager after direct talks with Lille.

However Lille president Letang hinted that City will have to fork out a fee similar to the record sum they paid for Elliot Anderson if they are to prise Bouaddi away from the French club.

Fellow Lille player Ayyoub Bouaddi is also wanted by top European clubs (Picture: Getty)

‘Many clubs are interested in him, but very few can afford him right now,’ he recently told Eurosport.

‘He’s already one of the best midfielders in the world and still has significant room for improvement. He’s only 18 and has his whole future ahead of him. He’s focused on continuing to develop and winning everything.