Reports linking Arsenal with a move for Enzo Fernandez might have thrown up a lot of blank looks and a spike in Wikipedia searches in North London.
The 21-year-old midfielder is hardly a household name in England, let alone in the N5 postcode. But you’d better get used to this. Because you’re going to hear a lot more about Enzo Fernandez over the next couple of months.
According to South American publication El Crack Deportivo, Arsenal are just one of a number of Premier League clubs eyeing a potential summer swoop for Fernandez.
A key part of the River Plate side who won their first Argentine title in nearly a decade last season, Fernandez also has admirers at Aston Villa, West Ham and Everton.
And down the road at Tottenham Hotspur, too..
Is Enzo Fernandez leaving River Plate for Arsenal?
As Julian Alvarez fired River Plate to domestic glory, earning himself a big-money move to Manchester City, Fernandez’s fine performances in central midfield often went unnoticed.
But not by an Arsenal legend, Pires puffing out his cheeks in raising a greying eyebrow in admiration.
“I loved the Number 13 (Fernandez),” Robert Pires told Ole in February, singling out River’s stylish central midfielder despite Alvarez’s hat-trick in the 4-1 thumping of Patronato.
“Not because he played in my position, but he has a very good way of playing, of moving around. He always gives solutions to his teammates. He carries the ball. What I like the most is that he always wants to break the line or combine with the wingers.
“I loved everything I saw from Enzo Fernandez.”
If Arsenal succeed in fighting off competition from many a top-flight rival, Fernandez has everything required to be a hugely popular figure at the Emirates Stadium.
And not just because he’s already got the backing of a bonafide Gunners legend.
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