Lille’s Belgium striker Matias Fernandez-Pardo (21) is apparently an Arsenal target, one of about 57 if you believe all you read but there are aspects of this rumour that are compelling and make perfect sense.
If Arsenal are on the verge of losing out on one of their prime targets this transfer window then the Belgium forward would be an exciting alternative.
Not the marquee signing Berta had in mind but very much a Berta signing.
I doubt many of us had heard of Timber, Hincapie or Mosquera but the Sporting director has an eye for an emerging player and from what I’ve seen he could potentially be a quality addition.
We shouldn’t view this transfer window as a disappointment if the likes of Vini Jnr fail to materialise with so many holes to fill, especially with the injuries to Timber and Saliba.
You have to spend wisely unless you’re Chelsea or City.
So what does he offer –
At a relatively low €35m, Fernández-Pardo represents quality and value even if he is yet to prove it in the Premier League.
He’s versatile due to the fact that he is able to play on the left wing or in the central striker role.
He’s physical, fast and embraces the challenge of 1 v 1 as he progresses the ball down the line.
He’s good under pressure and uses his height well (6ft 2) to shield the ball and is quick on the counter.
He’s is a refreshingly unselfish provider, focused when in attack and quite robust when the opposition try to dispossess.
Last season he started 27 matches but took part in 29, scored 8 goals with 5 assists over 2,379 minutes.
This breakdown may be a pointless exercise during the transfer window with new names popping up on a daily basis but you have to look at the general picture and apply your own logic.
Share this article
