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-linked forward passes medical to join Newcastle UnitedNewcastle 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.
- League One club in talks to sign Arsenal 20yo on loanLeague One club Stevenage are in talks with Arsenal over a loan deal for Tommy Setford, according to a report.
- Where will Arsenal finish in the WSL title race?Arsenal are tipped for a WSL top-three finish, but squad changes and a stronger chasing pack could make the 2026/27 Champions League race wide open.
- Gabriel Jesus signs for BarcelonaGabriel Jesus has completed a permanent move from Arsenal to Barcelona after four years in north London, ending a 132-game spell with the Gunners.
- Palace attempt to hijack Sunderland deal for Malick FofanaMalick Fofana is set to join Sunderland, with Arsenal opting not to pursue the signing at Lyon’s valuation of the winger.