Newcastle United are set to sign Matias Fernandez-Pardo from Lille, despite some recent links to Arsenal and the French club’s earlier insistence they wouldn’t sell.
Sky Sports News report that Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo has completed his medical ahead of signing for Newcastle United, with the club agreeing a transfer fee of £51m.
An announcement is expected imminently, and the player is set to wear the number 20 with his new side.
Fernandez-Pardo had been tentatively linked with Arsenal in recent weeks, though the fee required to sign the player was always implied to be a potential stumbling block.
Other interested clubs like Atletico Madrid and RB Leipzig had also baulked at the asking price, though Lille’s negotiating stance has softened considerably as the window has gone on.
Lille president Olivier Letang had previously insisted Fernandez-Pardo was not for sale, saying: “The player is under contract until 2029, and his departure is not an issue. We are counting on him, he knows that, and we have been very clear with him.”
Foot Mercato then reported that the player could leave, but only for offers exceeding €70m (£60m). In the end, it seems he’s leaving for just £51m.
Fernandez-Pardo scored eight goals and assisted another seven in 2025/26, going on a run of seven goal contributions in Lille’s final 10 games of the Ligue 1 campaign.
The Belgium international striker helped his club side qualify for the Champions League this season, before heading off to the World Cup, where he played 41 minutes across three appearances before their eventual elimination by Spain.
Fernandez-Pardo missed the start of Lille’s season through a suspension carried over from 2025/26, and it looks like he’s going to depart the club before getting another chance to make an appearance.
- Arsenal keep winning while the old narratives refuse to disappearMikel Arteta’s new deal, Bruno Guimaraes’ impact, two Arsenal wins and a tribute to Ken Friar feature in a busy week for the champions.
- Arsenal away kit debut wait goes on – for nowArsenal are set to wear their third kit against Nottingham Forest this weekend, meaning the wait for the new away kit’s men’s competitive debut is set to continue.
- Key Nottingham Forest star could miss Arsenal clash through injuryNottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White is a doubt to face Arsenal on Sunday, with at least two other Forest players ruled out of the match.
- Arsenal injury updates on 4 players pre-Nottingham ForestMikel Arteta had injury updates on Arsenal’s four absentees on Friday, with Martin Zubimendi potentially in line to play against Nottingham Forest.
- Bournemouth now willing to sell Arsenal targetAFC Bournemouth are now open to selling Arsenal target Alex Scott in the January transfer window, though only if they receive a very large bid for the midfielder.