Ezequiel Fernandez sends Arsenal clear transfer message amid £13.2m bid

Arsenal have been shown further proof of why Boca Juniors midfielder Ezequiel Fernandez has been identified as a potential summer addition. The Gunners are on the hunt to bolster their ranks in the engine room with recruiting in that department a priority ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, as football.london understands.

The likes of Martin Zubimendi, Youssouf Fofana and Mikel Merino have all been linked with Arsenal free to pursue one of the trio now a deal for Riccardo Calafiori has been wrapped up. The Italy international has been Mikel Arteta and Edu's focus over the last few weeks with his move from Bologna on the verge of being announced.

With that in mind, it now looks as though Arsenal will turn their attention onto making a midfielder signing with Fernandez emerging as a new target. According to Argentine journalist Diego Monroig, via ESPN, and relayed by Bolavip, the 22-year-old's entourage have 'received information' the Gunners want to sign him this summer.

Interest from north London in the midfielder was present earlier this year, though he opted to sign a new contract which runs until 2028. Despite that, clubs are still pushing for his signature with Saudi Arabian outfit Al Qadsiah submitting a £13.2million bid, though that was rejected by Boca Juniors.

With his current club in a strong position to keep hold of his services, they will likely be further pleased by his displays on the world stage at the Olympics representing Argentina. Fernandez came off the bench in his nation's defeat to Morocco earlier this week, however he was in the starting XI to take on Iraq over the weekend.

Javier Mascherano's side looked far better in their second group stage clash with Fernandez on target late on to seal a 3-1 win. A flowing move found Fernandez on the edge of the box and he was able to guide the ball expertly into the top corner with the Iraq goalkeeper left rooted to the spot.

The goal sends a clear message to Arsenal, should they be considering signing him, that the midfielder has the ability to step up on the world stage and show his class. Whether the Gunners do bid for Fernandez, however, remains to be seen.

Fernandez is certainly not the only midfielder of interest to Arsenal that has impressed on the global stage this summer with Paris Saint-Germain's Fabian Ruiz showcasing his talents. With the French club pushing to sign Joao Neves, Ruiz could be free to leave with the Gunners said to be eyeing a potential loan deal.