Arsenal could make a signing for nothing as reports in France suggest that the Gunners are in talks with a Lyon midfielder, whose contract is due to expire at the end of this season.Â
According to FootMercato, the Gunners are one of a number of clubs that are interested in signing Lyon midfielder Rachid Ghezzal.
Ghezzal predominantly plays on the right wing and because of his style of play, he has drawn comparisons to Riyad Mahrez. His contract is due to expire at the end of the season, meaning foreign clubs can now enter negotiations with the midfielder about signing a pre-contract agreement, which would see the player join for no transfer fee in the summer.
Do Arsenal need a winger? Maybe not right now, but with the news that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s contract may not be extended beyond next season, it looks as if he could be on his way in the summer, which means that the Gunners may opt to cash in on him and replace him with the free signing of Ghezzal.
This season Ghezzal has scored 2 and assisted 2 more in Ligue 1 in 9 starts and 5 sub appearances. Last season Ghezzal was very influential. Again, not always a starter, he made 13 sub apps and started 16 games, but scored 8 and assisted 8 more. It seems like he would be a decent squad addition.
He’s versatile and can play on the left wing and in the number 10 role. It would give the Gunners greater attacking depth and as a free transfer, there’d be little risk involved in this signing.
Many Arsenal fans may want to see a higher calibre of player being pursued, but nobody would have wanted Mahrez before he joined Leicester City and then last season everyone wanted him.
Arsenal are also said to be lining up a left back from the Bundesliga for free – read more about that story here. Perhaps he could be a replacement for Gibbs, who, like Oxlade-Chamberlain, could be on his way in the summer.