Key Takeaways:
- Both Chelsea and Arsenal are vying for Spanish U21 winger Yeremay Hernandez
- Deportivo La Coruna rejected Chelsea’s €15m deadline-day bid in January
- Hernandez has 11 goals and 4 assists this season with Deportivo in mid-table
Premier League Rivals Lock Horns Over Rising Spanish Star
The race to secure the services of highly rated Spanish U21 international Yeremay Hernandez is intensifying, with Arsenal now joining Chelsea in pursuit of the 22-year-old winger ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.
Hernandez has earned widespread acclaim for his performances this season with Deportivo La Coruna, having netted 11 times and contributed four assists in Spain’s Segunda Division. His standout form has sparked significant interest from Premier League clubs seeking to bolster their attacking options.
🇪🇸🌟| Yeremay Hernández (Deportivo La Coruña, 22) vs Segunda Division U23 Wingers, per 90
🥇xG + xA – 1st
🥇npxG + xA – 1st
🥇Expected goals (xG) – 1st
🥇Shots – 1st
🥇Shots on target – 1st
🥇Dribbles attempted – 1st
🥇Offensive duels – 1st
🥇Accelerations – 1st pic.twitter.com/0Db5ltKB4a— w/scout (@widescouting) April 3, 2025
Chelsea’s January Move Was Blocked
According to sources, Chelsea tabled a formal offer of approximately €15 million late in the January transfer window, seeking to finalise the deal before the market closed. However, Deportivo stood firm, insisting on the full €20 million release clause as stipulated in Hernandez’s contract.
The Spanish club’s resistance was reportedly strengthened by the player’s own reluctance to exit mid-season. Despite Chelsea’s intent, Hernandez preferred to remain in Galicia and lead Deportivo’s attempt to gain promotion to La Liga. The midfielder sees the 2024/25 campaign as a crucial juncture in his development and was determined to see it through.
Arsenal Looking to Capitalise on Chelsea’s Delay
While Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is expected to revisit the deal at the conclusion of the season, reports now suggest that Arsenal are lining up a competing bid in a bid to jump ahead in the queue. The Gunners are reportedly aware of Chelsea’s more deliberate approach and see this as an opportunity to assert their interest decisively.
Maresca’s patient stance has earned appreciation from within Deportivo, with the club acknowledging the “space” given to Hernandez to remain focused on helping the side finish strong domestically. Currently sitting 11th in the standings with nine matches remaining, a play-off position appears unlikely for the Galicians.
However, Arsenal’s entry into proceedings may spark a bidding war, potentially driving the final transfer cost beyond the fixed €20 million clause. This scenario would delight Deportivo, who are eyeing a substantial financial windfall to aid their rebuilding efforts in a likely second consecutive season in Spain’s second tier.