Scouts are said to have been sent by Real Madrid to watch Fernandes as the Spanish giants plot an overhaul of their squad in the summer, having closed in on a deal to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Arsenal's Bukayo Saka during the Premier League match between Arsenal ... More FC and Everton FC at Emirates Stadium on December 14, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Stephanie Meek - CameraSport ...

A goal in each half from Linda Caicedo and Athenea del Castillo condemned Arsenal to a first-leg loss at the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium, the home of Real’s reserves, and left them with plenty of work to do in the return next week in north London.