Mikel Arteta has previously said that this summer is the time "to go to another level" in the transfer market, but he will now know more than ever before that top-quality first-team regulars aren't the only targets the club must pursue.
On top of his squad already being short in certain positions, qualification for Europe and the introduction of five substitutions next season mean the Spaniard must look to add rotational options to his side in order to prevent a repeat of what has happened during the current campaign.
Injuries and a lack of numbers have seen young academy talents fill up the spots on the bench regularly, with Zak Swanson, Mazeed Ogungbo, Charlie Patino, Marcelo Flores and Omari Hutchinson called up to first-team duties on a number of occasions. While this can be seen as a positive reward for their progress, it is important that there remains a healthy amount of established and experienced options to choose from.
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Respectfully, youth cannot always be relied upon, especially at the highest level. If Arsenal want to progress as a club and compete with some of the best around, quality must always be at the forefront of any plans to bolster the team. This appears to have been recognised by Arteta and technical director Edu, with The Sunday Mirror reporting that the Gunners are plotting a move for Lille winger Edon Zhegrova.
Labelled the 'Lionel Messi of the Balkans', the 23-year-old only made the switch to Ligue 1 in January after arriving from Swiss side FC Basel for a reported £6.3m. However, a number of impressive displays since have reportedly led Arsenal and AC Milan to show interest.
Bagging six goals and providing seven assists in 23 appearances so far this season, the Kosovo international has mainly operated as a right-winger but can also play on the left-hand side. Similar to Bukayo Saka and Nicolas Pepe, Zhegrova likes to cut in on his left foot to have a pop at goal or find a teammate in the build-up of an attack, which has often caused problems for many of the opposition he's come up against.
With the likes of Gabriel Martinelli, Emile Smith Rowe and the aforementioned Saka already establishing themselves as regular starters in north London, a move for Zhegrova would likely represent a deal focused on adding extra strength in depth while also providing further competition.
Lille are under pressure to sell this summer due to financial struggles and with Zhegrova said to be available for just £11m plus add-ons, it's a deal that is low risk for a club needing to be clever ahead of another busy and potentially expensive transfer window.
