Arsenal are now eyeing up a move to sign Lille wide man Edon Zhegrova in a deal that may cost around £11million this summer.
That’s according to The Sunday Mirror (17/04, p79), who claim that Arsenal are looking to make a move.
It’s claimed that Zhegrova is also being targeted by AC Milan but Arsenal are keen to secure his signature.
With Lille needing to sell players this summer, it’s believed that Zhegrova can be signed for around £11million plus add-ons.
That’s an appealing price tag for Arsenal, as they may see Zhegrova as a bargain option behind their star wingers.
The report notes that Zhegrova has been branded the ‘Lionel Messi of the Balkans’ back in Kosovo, which is a pretty bold claim.
Zhegrova has bagged six goals and seven assists across 23 games this season, which is an impressive record.
The 23-year-old has predominantly played down the right flank, cutting in on his left foot to cause problems for Ligue 1 defences.
Arsenal have decent ties with Lille having previously swooped to sign Nicolas Pepe and Gabriel Magalhaes in years gone by.
In a strange turn of events, Arsenal’s interest in signing Zhegrova may actually be tied to the future of Pepe.
The Ivorian seems primed for the Arsenal exit door this summer having barely featured for the Gunners this season.
Yet selling Pepe would leave Arsenal needing another left-footed winger to play on the right flank, offering cover and competition for Bukayo Saka.
Zhegrova fits the bill perfectly as whilst he has potential, he wouldn’t be expected to start for Arsenal.
The Kosovo international may not sound like the most exciting capture for Arsenal, but Zhegrova could be a low-cost addition to replace Pepe.
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