Newcastle line up next signing after Gonzalez as £34.2m bid submitted for dynamic Ligue 1 attacker

Newcastle United are set to sign Manchester City midfielder Nico Gonzalez and now they’re turning their attention to attacking reinforcements, with a bid made for Lille star Matias Fernandez-Pardo, per reports.

The 21-year-old only arrived at Lille in 2024, but despite an injury-hit opening campaign, he still managed to leave a strong impression within the club and among opposition scouts.

Across the 2025/26 campaign, the versatile attacker, who can play as a centre-forward or winger on either flank, registered 15 goal contributions (eight scored, seven assists) from 41 appearances in all competitions.

His displays captured the attention of multiple clubs across the Premier League and Europe, and TEAMtalk revealed back in May that Newcastle had been showing strong interest in Fernandez-Pardo.

According to French outlet L’Equipe, as cited by Sport Witness, Newcastle have made an offer worth €40million (£34.3m / $46.7m) for Fernandez-Pardo.

The report claims that Lille do not want to sell, and with Fernandez-Pardo’s contract valid until 2029, they are in a strong negotiating position.

Newcastle’s bid has therefore been rejected, per the report, and it remains to be seen whether they will return with an improved offer.

There is a reason for The Magpies to be hopeful, though, as the youngster is said to want a move to the Premier League.

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Newcastle face competition for Fernandez-Pardo

Newcastle are not alone in their interest in Fernandez-Pardo.

Atletico Madrid have seen a lower bid, worth £30m, rejected for the Belgian previously.

Manchester City have also scouted Fernandez-Pardo extensively, while Tottenham are also admirers of his. Spurs are unlikely to push for him now though, as they’re set to sign Savinho and Omar Marmoush from The Cityzens.

Lille’s financial position is strengthened further by the fact that they have agreed to sell midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi to Man City for around £86million.

Newcastle must therefore make a compelling improved offer to sign Fernandez-Pardo ahead of the transfer deadline.

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