Atletico Madrid make contact with Lille star Matias Fernandez-Pardo

Atletico Madrid have initiated contact with Lille striker Matias Fernandez-Pardo’s entourage to discuss a potential summer move, reports German journalist Florian Plettenberg.

Los Rojiblancos are looking for a replacement for Angel Correa, who has joined Mexican club Tigres after spending a decade with the La Liga club.

Fernandez-Pardo has emerged as a potential target, while Villarreal have also enquired about his availability.

After impressing at the Belgium club Gent, the 20-year-old returned to Lille last year, where he spent the youth ranks.

Fernandez-Pardo caught everyone’s eye with his impressive performances despite limited starts last season.

He netted six goals and four assists in all competitions and showcased his versatility to play in multiple positions in the forward line.

Despite representing Belgium’s various youth levels, Fernandez-Pardo switched his allegiance to the Spanish national team earlier this year.

The Lille star is a raw talent but has a higher ceiling to develop into a top-class player.

He has showcased his brilliant ball-progression skills, dribbling prowess and an eye for creative passes in addition to his shooting abilities.

The Ligue 1 giants would try to keep the talented prospect after recently losing their prolific striker Jonathan David to Juventus on a free transfer.

Atletico have a stacked attack consisting of Julian Alvarez, Alexander Sorloth, Antoine Griezmann and Giuliano Simeone.

Corinthians’ Brazilian striker Yuri Alberto and Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Fabio Silva are also on Atletico’s wishlist.

Diego Simeone’s side have already snapped up Alex Baena and Matteo Ruggeri. They have a verbal agreement in place for Real Betis midfielder Johnny Cardoso.

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