Arsenal have reportedly submitted an offer for Edon Zhegrova as Mikel Arteta looks for alternatives to Raphinha.
According to Arling Sadiku, Arsenal have made an offer to Lille for 23-year-old winger Edon Zhegrova, who Mikel Arteta might consider as an alternative to Raphinha. The Kosovan international only joined the Ligue 1 giants in January and may be made available this summer.
Arsenal were hopeful of signing Raphinha at one stage last month, but the chase fizzled out as soon as Chelsea entered the race to sign the Brazilian. The Blues have agreed on a fee with Leeds United, thus beating the competition from the Gunners and Barcelona.
Despite the agreement on the transfer fee, Raphinha is waiting for Barcelona to make an offer and finalise terms with Leeds United. The Catalan giants’ ongoing financial situation has indefinitely delayed the deal, but Arsenal’s hopes of signing the Brazilian have realistically faded away.
Arsenal outlined their ambition by making a big offer to Leeds, stating they are looking at signing a wide attacker. Their search has taken them towards Lille once more, as the Gunners are keen on Edon Zhegrova, the 23-year-old winger.
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Arsenal has submitted an official offer for 23 year old winger Edon Zhegrova. ?? player has impressed the english club this year at Lille, after moving from Basel in January for 7m euros. #arsenal #transfer #zhegrova
— Arlind Sadiku (@arlindsadiku89) July 6, 2022
Arsenal’s interest in Zhegrova is nothing new, as they were linked with him towards the end of last season. The Kosovan international only moved to Lille in January when the Ligue 1 giants paid €7 million to FC Basel. However, his numbers since may not seem to warrant a big move to Arsenal, although there seems to be plenty of promise in his talent.
The 23-year-old scored twice and assisted once in 13 Ligue 1 games, and despite that, Arteta seems keen on signing the winger. There must be attributes that may suit Arsenal’s style, as Zhegrova has the characteristics of a wide playmaker.
The Kosovan international could be considered a reliable backup to Bukayo Saka, although the Gunners have already signed Marquinhos from Sao Paulo in the summer for that role. Arteta seems intent on adding attacking talents this summer, with Arsenal reportedly bidding for the Lille winger.
Zhegrova is considered a brilliant talent, and while Lille might have wanted to develop him, a good offer from the Gunners could tempt them into a sale. The Ligue 1 giants could be open to selling the 23-year-old after their disappointing season end, finishing tenth. Les Dogues have sold Sven Botman and remain on the verge of losing star midfielder Renato Sanches.
Arsenal’s bid for the 23-year-old does not mention any financial details, but it is expected to be sufficient to make Lille a handsome profit. As things stand, Zhegrova is certainly on the list of Arteta’s potential targets for the wide role, although fans would want Arsenal to bring in a more noteworthy, established player in the position.
