Arsenal are interested in Boca Juniors midfielder Ezequiel Fernandez, who scored a stunning goal at the Olympique on Saturday.
Buenos Aires, Argentina: Ezequiel Fernandez of Boca Juniors drives the ball during a match between Boca Juniors and Velez Sarsfield as part of the La Liga Profesional 2024 at Estadio Alberto J. Armando on June 14, 2024 (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)
Arsenal are reportedly keen to complete the deal before the 2024/25 season but are yet to make a formal offer.
Arsenal have had their eye on Fernandes for some time and reportedly carried out a scouting mission at the pre-Olympic tournament in January, where Marquinhos also featured for Brazil.
Fernandez is currently competing in the Olympics as a member of the Argentina national team, which qualified for the games in January.
SANTIAGO DEL ESTERO, ARGENTINA: Boca Juniors’ Ezequiel Fernandez celebrates after scoring his team’s fourth goal during the Central Cordoba vs. Boca Juniors match as part of the La Liga Profesional 2024 at Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades on May 19, 2024. (Photo by Joaquin Camilleti)/Getty Images)
Fernandez’s performances at the Olympics, including a fine goal against Iraq on Saturday, have done little to lower his signing-on demands.
Argentina had lost their opening Olympic match to Morocco and were desperate for a win against Iraq, who had beaten Ukraine in their opening match.
Argentina took an early lead through Thiago Almada’s goal but Aymen Hussein equalised just before half-time.
Luciano Gondu restored the lead for Argentina in the 62nd minute, but the game remained tight until Fernandez scored in the 85th minute. SettlersArgentina knew they could advance to the knockout stage with a draw against Ukraine.
AVELLANEDA, ARGENTINA: Boca Juniors’ Ezequiel Fernandez hits the ball during the Copa de la Liga Profesional 2023 Group B match between Racing Clube and Boca Juniors at Presidente Peron Stadium on October 24, 2023. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)
Fernandes, who plays in a central midfield role for club and country, has made 20 appearances for Boca Juniors since the start of 2024. The 22-year-old is under contract with his current club until 2028.