Arsenal are targetting Edon Zhegrova as a low-cost replacement for Nicolas Pepe and as a backup to star man Bukayo Saka.
According to the print edition of the Sunday Mirror (h/t HITC), Arsenal have their sights set on Edon Zhegrova as a potential replacement for Nicolas Pepe, who could depart in the summer. The Kosovo international only joined Lille in January but could be sold for a profit to raise funds.
Edon Zhegrova is not the most exciting name that would make Arsenal fans jump out of their seats. The Gunners are expected to splash big in the upcoming transfer window, with their priority being to bring in one or two strikers. They also have requirements to sign a central midfielder, right-back and a wide attacker.
For the latter, the club may have found a low-cost target in Zhegrova, who only joined Lille in the January window for under £2 million. The Kosovo international winger has already impressed with the French champions, scoring twice in eight appearances for the club.
Lille are in financial trouble and may need to sell some of their players to raise funds. Zhegrova may be included in that list as the French side could look to make a quick profit from the winger’s sale. The report suggests he could be available for £11 million plus add-ons.
That price tag may attract Arsenal towards making a move for him in the summer. The north London side could spend big on a striker or two. They have reportedly contacted Victor Osimhen, who will cost near the £100 million mark.
Arsenal are demanding €30 million from suitors as they plan to sell Nicolas Pepe in the summer. The winger was ironically their most expensive acquisition from Lille three years ago. The Gunners do not want to spend heavily on his replacement and seek a low-cost alternative.
They are also linked with Galatasaray’s Kerem Akturkoglu, who could cost them around the €20 million mark. Mikel Arteta is not looking for a player to start games regularly. Instead, he needs someone who could become a quality deputy to star man Bukayo Saka and play a backup role next season.
Zhegrova could be this player and may be happy to leap from Ligue 1 to the Premier League. The Gunners are expected to play in European competition next season, and there will be plenty of games to play. Zhegrova could play a crucial role in the season and provide timely respite for Saka as Arteta will be wary of overplaying his star winger.
The £11 million valuation seems like a bargain price for a player looking in good form. Lille might look for a better deal, although considering the profit over their investment the £11 million fee offers, they might be interested in letting the winger leave.
