As reported by The Sun, Arsenal have been given the opportunity to sign one of the best wingers in France, a move that could give Everton a transfer headache.
What’s the story?
Arsene Wenger isn’t lacking for attacking talent at the Emirates Stadium but could be set to add even more creativity and firepower to his side now that an opportunity has fallen his way.
The Sun report that representatives of Rachid Ghezzal have contacted the Gunners about a potential switch from Lyon to the Premier League this summer.
Ghezzal’s contract is up in June and he’s hoping for a free transfer to Arsenal despite interest from the likes of Everton. The Sun say the Toffees were in for him last summer with the deal going as far as a £12m fee being agreed before the player knocked the move back.
The paper also reckon Everton are desperate to sign him, seeing the winger as an ideal replacement for long-term injury absentee Yannick Bolasie.
Should Arsenal sign him?
Ghezzal has made just 11 starts this season for Lyon but has managed to contribute two goals and three assists to their cause.
Last season, before his contract situation became urgent, was much more fruitful. He scored 10 goals in 38 appearances for the French club, also notching up 9 assists. Those statistics, contributing directly to a goal on average once every two games, are likely to be interesting to Arsene Wenger.
That’s especially true due to the lack of transfer fee. While they may have to pay in a premium in wages, with Everton reportedly willing to offer the winger £100,000 per week, the move still offers good value considering what the Algerian international can contribute.
It’s certainly a situation worth pursuing for the Gunners and we’d expect they’ll be keep a close eye on his progress at Lyon and at the African Cup of Nations this January with Algeria.
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