Arsenal make 'official offer' to sign 23-year-old attacker - Reports

Arsenal have tabled an official bid to sign 23-year-old Lille forward Edon Zhegrova. The Gunners are looking at the attacker as a potential bargain deal to bolster their attack ahead of the upcoming season.

A product of Belgian club Sint-Truiden's academy, Zhegrova joined the Jupiler Pro League side Genk in 2017 and made his professional debut the same year. He later signed for Swiss outfit Basel and was a part of their setup for three years. He featured in 15 matches for Basel, netting four goals and contributing six assists in the first half of the 2021-22 season.

The 23-year-old joined Lille from Basel in January of this year for €7 million. He has impressed with his performances from the right flank during his six-month stay in Lille. During the 2021-22 campaign, the left-footed forward registered two goals and one assist in 486 minutes for the Ligue 1 club across competitions.

In his six-month stint at Lille, he averaged 1.2 shots per game, 0.6 key passes per game and 1.2 dribbles per game. His passing and dribbling are his strongest suites and he also actively helps out the defense. He is also a regular for his national team Kosovo, scoring three goals in 28 international appearances.

According to Kosovan journalist Arlind Saliku, Arsenal have made their pursuit official by tabling a bid for the promising forward. The report further states that the winger has been on Arsenal's radar all year, having impressed the Premier League club's scouts in France.

After missing out on signing Leeds United forward Raphinha, Arsenal are hoping to acquire the services of Zhegrova, which could provide competition to Bukayo Saka. To strengthen their frontline, the Gunners have already roped in striker Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City and teenager Marquinhos from Sao Paulo this summer.

The Gunners are set to open their 2022-23 Premier League campaign away from home at Crystal Palace on August 5.

Arsenal on the hunt for a defender

Despite the return of centre-back William Saliba from Marseille, the north London club are in the market for defensive reinforcements.

As per reports, the Gunners are keeping tabs on Benfica left-back Alejandro Grimaldo. They are also closing in on Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez, who has also been linked with rivals Manchester United. The club are also interested in Torino centre-back Gleison Bremer (via 90min).

The Gunners finished fifth in the Premier League last season with 69 points from 38 matches, conceding 48 goals in the process. Mikel Arteta is keen on strengthening his backline to better the club's chances of qualifying for the Champions League next season.