Arsenal have been linked with several midfielders who impressed at Euro 2024, as well as one starlet who is now lighting up the Olympic Games.
Spain midfielders Fabian Ruiz and Mikel Merino have both been linked with moves this summer, with Fabian impressing as one of the best players at the tournament and Merino scoring a vital winner against Germany.
In recent days, links have appeared between Arsenal and Boca Juniors midfielder Ezequiel ‘Equi’ Fernandez, who was scouted by the Gunners in January.
Fernandez is a rising star at Boca, and has a release clause of around £13m this summer, making him a potentially bargain option as a defensive midfielder.
The 22-year-old is in the Argentina squad competing at the Olympics, and his side recorded a 3-1 victory over Iran, with the midfielder scoring an outrageous goal to seal the result, and Arsenal fans have now noticed his quality.
Arsenal fans react to Equi Fernandez Argentina screamer, they want Arteta to sign him
Arsenal fans have now taken to X to demand that Arsenal sign Fernandez ahead of interested clubs in Saudi Arabia following his excellent goal.
“Equi Fernandez not only scored a tremendous goal. He made the team play, he stole absolutely everything in the middle. Man of the match. I hope your destination is Arsenal and not Saudi Arabia,” one fan posted.
“Please Arsenal, do whatever you have to do for Equi Fernandez, he has potential without a ceiling,” another added.
“Maybe it will be controversial seeing that Bruno (Guimaraes) was initially requested, but Arsenal would do a great deal if they manage to get rid of Thomas Partey (he is already worse than Jorginho physically), and betting on Equi Fernandez + Mikel Merino/Fabian Ruiz,” another stated of Arsenal’s midfield targets.
“Bringing Equi to Arsenal would make me happy,” another posted.
“It’s really weird that no top team has paid the release clause of Equi Fernández. Where you can find a 1st phase midfielder like him for just €17M? Teams of the very elite level of football like Arsenal, Bayern, Juventus or Barcelona should try to avoid his move to Arabia,” another pointed out.
Ezequiel Fernandez could be bargain Thomas Partey replacement for Arsenal
Even if Merino does join, if Thomas Partey departs the club he will need replacing. The midfielder has one year left on his deal, and despite his quality, missed a significant chunk of last season with injury.
Fernandez could be the perfect long-term replacement for him at the base of midfield. He has thrived as a number six for Boca, and his combination of silky technique and tenacity could make him the ideal midfielder to complement Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.
If Arsenal are interested in him, they will have to move quickly given the interest from Saudi Arabia, and the potential interest which could develop from other clubs if he continues to shine at the Olympics.
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