Arsenal

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Arsenal target 23-year-old Lille winger available for just £11million

Edon Zhegrova, Arsenal, LOSC Lille

Edon Zhegrova in action for LOSC Lille

Arsenal are plotting a summer move for Lille winger Edon Zhegrova, according to reports.

Zhegrova only joined French side Lille in January, however, has already impressed during his brief spell. The 23-year-old joined from Basel on a four-and-a-half-year deal, and has already contributed three goals and assists from seven league appearances. However, Mikel Arteta is hoping he can still tempt Zhegrova away from his new home at the end of the season.

According to Sky Sports, the Kosovar international has been highlighted as a potential target to bolster their attack in summer.

Arsenal have struggled in attack following the January sale of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, highlighted by this weekends (16 April) surprise 1-0 defeat to Southampton. 

Operating on the wing, Zhegrova could bring some much needed depth to the Arsenal frontline. In recent weeks, Bukayo Saka has been forced into defence and out of the attacking line to replace the injured Kieran Tierney.

And reports would suggest a deal could be struck relatively cheap. It is believed Lille would be forced to accept a transfer bid of £11m plus extras for their recent acquisition.

LOSC Lille reportedly signed the youngster for just €7m in January this year.

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Edon Zhegrova career so far

Zhegrova is a product of youth team systems from different Kosovan and Belgian sides.

In March 2017, he struck his first professional contract with Belgian outfit Genk, making his debut in September that year.

Following a succesful spell in Belgium, Zhegrova was signed on an 18 month loan deal by Swiss side FC Basel. The loan deal also proved a success, as Zhegrova would go on to join permanently in September 2020.

Over a course of three years in Switzerland, Zhegrova made 89 appearance for the club, scoring 15 times during that spell.

This form attracted interest from elsewhere in Europe, as Lille and Marseille both fought for his signature in January 2022. Eventually, Zhegrova opted for the French reigning champions as he admitted “I like Lille more than Marseille,”

As reported by Ligue 1 official site, he said: “That’s why I made this choice. It’s a great opportunity, a great club. I like the way Lille play. The Lille game suits me more than Marseille’s. I’m very happy to have joined Lille.”

Zhegrova has also left his mark on the international scene. Despite his young age, the winger has already been capped 24 times by Kosovo, and is expected to become a big European name in the next few years.

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