Arsenal boss Arteta looks to cut-price Ligue 1 star to bolster squad

Arsenal missed out on the opportunity to gain ground in the race for a top four spot on Saturday, as they fell to a 1-0 defeat to Southampton at St. Marys. 

Mikel Arteta’s side kicked off on the south coast shortly after North London rivals Tottenham, who sit just three points ahead of the Gunners, had lost 1-0 at home to Brighton.

A win against the Saints would have lifted Arteta’s side into a commanding position, considering that they also have two matches in hand on Spurs, but Jan Bednarek’s goal was enough to secure victory for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side.

Arsenal were once again wasteful in front of goal, failing to score from any of their 23 attempts against Southampton.

Arteta appears unimpressed with his side’s performances of late, and it appears that he is already looking at possible targets to improve his squad ahead of next season.

According to Sky Sports via TEAMtalk, the London side are considering a move for Lille winger Edon Zhegrova, who could be available for a cut-price fee.

Arsenal are hopeful of luring Zhegrova away from France after just six months

The report suggests that the Kosovar, who has only been with the Ligue 1 side since January, could be available for around £11 million, with Arteta hopeful of luring him away from the French top flight.

The 23-year-old joined Lille from Basel in January, and has impressed during his short spell in France, scoring twice and providing an assist despite only starting one league match.

During his time in Switzerland, the winger also impressed, scoring two goals and registering a further six assists in just eight appearances in the Super League.

Arteta is keen to secure additions to his squad ahead of a potential European campaign next term, with a central midfielder, winger and striker all high on his list of priorities.

Zhegrova would appease the need for a winger and, if available for just £11 million, may well be worth a punt.

The likes of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith-Rowe have impressed in advanced roles this term, but the former has been forced into defence in recent weeks, filling in at left-back for the injured Kieran Tierney.

Saka’s absence in attack has highlighted a lack of depth going forward, something that has been particularly bad since the sale of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in January.

Despite his impressive form, Zhegrova has failed to establish himself in the starting line up at Lille, and Arteta therefore believes he may be able to persuade the French side to part ways with the player after just six months.