Arsenal consider launching move to sign Argentina star shining at Paris Olympics 2024: Reports
Arsenal are reportedly interested in launching a permanent move to sign Argentina midfielder Ezequiel Fernandez, who is currently participating at the Paris Olympics 2024.
Fernandez, 22, has cemented himself as a crucial starter for Boca Juniors over the past couple of years. He has bagged two goals and contributed three assists in 67 games across competitions for them so far.
A left-footed defensive midfielder blessed with passing and vision, Fernandez has featured in two games for Argentina at the ongoing Olympics. He has scored once, in a 3-1 triumph over Iraq, in France so far.
Now, according to ESPN, Arsenal are considering a move to rope in Fernandez in the ongoing summer transfer window. The player's representatives have allegedly caught wind about the Gunners' interest.
Should the Argentine move to Mikel Arteta's side this summer, he would pop up as a backup to England international Declan Rice. He could also feature as a number eight option in the Gunners' 4-3-3 system.
Mikel Arteta claims Arsenal summer arrival will help club in push for major silverwares
Earlier this Monday, Arsenal completed Riccardo Calafiori's signing for a fixed fee of £34 million plus £8 million in add-ons from Bologna.
Speaking to club media, Gunners manager Mikel Arteta heaped praise on the Italy international, who played in the UEFA Euro 2024. He said:
"We welcome Riccardo and his family to Arsenal. He is a great signing and gives us huge strength to reinforce our defence. [He] is a big personality and character, with specific skills which will make us stronger as we push to win major trophies."
Sharing further thoughts on the AS Roma youth product, Arteta added:
"He has already shown great development in recent seasons with his performances for both Bologna and Italy, with his progression and development in the past year being really impressive. We're looking forward to working with Riccardo, integrating him into the squad, and supporting him in the years to come."
Gunners sporting director Edu Gaspar also pitched in and elaborated:
"It has been a great team effort in completing this transfer and we welcome Riccardo to the family. We identified Riccardo as part of our strategy to sign players who fit our profile and will reinforce our squad to compete at the highest level. He is 22 but brings quality and experience. He will quickly grow into being an Arsenal player."
Last season, Calafiori helped Bologna finish fifth in the Serie A table and registered two goals and five assists in 33 overall appearances.