Mikel Arteta has made an impressive start to the transfer window as he aims to lead Arsenal back into the Champions League for the first time since 2017.
The club have signed Gabriel Jesus from Premier League Champions Manchester City and Fabio Vieira from FC Porto, as well as both Matt Turner and Marquinhos in what has been a busy few weeks of activity.
There could be more to come, with Arteta keen on Lyon midfielder Lucas Paqueta, but it could be a deal for fellow Ligue 1 player Edon Zhegrova that could prove to be Arteta’s fifth summer signing.
Arsenal submitted a bid worth £6m according to the Mirror and it could prove to be money well spent by Arteta.
Having been dubbed the “Kosovan Lionel Messi”, his performances have given the player a chance to move on to bigger and brighter things.
The 23-year-old only moved to LOSC Lille in January from Basel and he has excelled for the French side, scoring twice and registering one assist in 14 appearances in all competitions - with Jocelyn Gourvennec dubbing him both "very strong" and "impressive".
Compared to positional peers in Europe’s big five leagues, Zhegrova ranks in the top 2% for both progressive carries (12.83 per 90) and dribbles completed (3.30 per 90) while contributing defensively too, ranking in the top 4% for tackles (2.28 per 90), displaying his talents at both ends of the pitch.
These are impressive stats and if Arteta does prise him away from Ligue 1, he could form an excellent duo with Jesus as they attempt to lead Arsenal to a coveted top-four spot.
Having made 49 crosses during last season, the Brazilian forward will relish getting on the end of these deliveries from Zhegrova.
The Spaniard will be wary however of the fact the last time the club signed a winger from Lille, it hasn’t exactly worked out. Nicolas Pepe joined for a club-record £72m and has scored only 27 goals in 112 appearances.
A fee of £6m ensures the deal could be relatively risk-free, but Arteta will be hoping for the "overperforming" player to make an immediate impact in his side.