Arsenal are targeting a player likened to Lionel Messi – and could sign him for an absolute snip
(Image credit: Getty)
Arsenal are looking to strengthen this summer with a young talent compared to Lionel Messi.
The Gunners' lack of depth has been brutally exposed over the last few weeks, with three consecutive defeats to Crystal Palace, Brighton and most recently Southampton. The north Londoners were in the driving seat for Champions League football next season – but are now sat in sixth in the table.
The collapse has prompted questions of a threadbare squad that can't cope with injury issues affecting the first-choice XI but also of the lack of game-changers that Arsenal can bring off the bench to affect games.
(Image credit: Getty)
According to the Sunday Mirror, Edon Zhegrova of Lille is on the radar for Mikel Arteta.
The Lille attacker is just 23 years old but has burst into the French side and impressed this season, with showings in the Champions League. Compared to the legendary Messi, the Kosovan has a similar running style, creative spark and wand of a left foot.
(Image credit: Getty)
Arsenal may be able to get the deal done for a bargain £11m, too. According to the report, the north Londoners can get the winger for a snip and having a good relationship with the Ligue 1 side – thanks to deals negotiated for defender Gabriel and record signing Nicolas Pepe – could help in getting the signing over the line.
Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.
