Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Boca Juniors youngster Ezequiel Fernandez.
The 22-year-old is currently away on international duty in France, where an Argentina side managed by Javier Mascherano are fighting for gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Fernandez was handed a 22-minute cameo off the bench during his country's maiden match of the tournament, in which they lost 2-1 to Morocco following a dramatic contest in Saint Etienne.
Barcelona legend Mascherano trusted the Boca midfielder with a start in the second game against Iraq and he fully repaid the faith shown, finding the net in a much-needed 3-1 victory.
With another maximum enough to guarantee Argentina's safe passage into the quarter-finals, fans will be afforded a third chance to watch Fernandez as his nation face Ukraine in Lyon on Tuesday afternoon.
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Arsenal keen on Argentina star Fernandez?
According to ESPN journalist Diego Monroig via Bola VIP, Arsenal are interested in securing the services of the Boca Juniors man ahead of the new campaign.
It is expected that the 22-year-old will not feature for the Argentine giants once he returns from international duty at the Paris Olympics.
The report claims that Fernandez is ready to depart from South American football, where he has become a regular starter for Diego Martinez's side.
Although the Gunners are supposedly yet to make a formal approach for the former Tigre loanee, it is believed that Mikel Arteta's troops want to get a deal over the line before the conclusion of the summer window.
There is also said to be interest from fellow Premier League outfit Brighton & Hove Albion, who have gained a reputation of identifying high-potential youngsters from across the globe in recent years.
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Arsenal to 'battle' the riches of Saudi Arabia for Fernandez
While a pair of English clubs wait to make a move for Fernandez, it is understood that Al Quadisiya of Saudi Arabia are extremely keen on the midfielder.
The Saudi Pro League outfit have reportedly submitted a bid of $17m (£13.2m) for the Argentina star, who is in favour of a switch to the Middle East.
However, it is believed that Boca Juniors swiftly rejected the advances of Al Quadisiya, who offered the transfer fee spilt over a number of instalments.
Fernandez could become Arsenal's second arrival of the summer window, after David Raya secured a £27m permanent switch to North London following his loan from Brentford during the 2023-24 season.
Carter White
