It will have music to the ears of AC Milan, AS Roma, Juventus and Napoli that the 25-year-old Lille whizzy winger is seeking a new challenge.
All four teams have previously shown interest in the creative left-footer that is often referred to as the ‘Kosovan Lionel Messi’ because of his formidable dribbling skills. He was a serious transfer target for Arsenal in 2022, but preferred to tackle Ligue 1.
He is expected to be back in action soon and is no doubt biting at the bit to add to his tally of 26 goals for the French club. His red-hot form this season, eight goals from 21 appearances, was derailed following a groin injury in mid-December.
Zhegrova, who joined LOSC Lille rather than Arsenal from Swiss side FC Basel for €7 million (US$7.35m) in 2021, would command a price tag of €25m (US$26.25m).
The Bianconeri are going in the right direction under head coach Thiago Motta, who had a tricky spell before masterminding an impressive recent run.
Juventus could become serious title challengers if they continue to carve out victories and the three sides above them remain inconsistent. Juve sit just eight points behind Serie A leaders Inter Milan, who they beat in their recent Derby D’Italia tussle.
The club may have been dumped out of the Champions League, but they are still on course to claim some silverware as they defend their Coppa Italia crown.
Juventus will tackle out-of-form Empoli in the Coppa Italia quarter-final, with a last four berth against Bologna waiting for the winners. The other semi-final pits AC Milan against bitter rivals Inter Milan.
Under Project Motta, which means a squad revamp in the summer, the club have specific targets lined up for most positions.
Whether Zhegrova, who has made over a hundred outings for Lille, would sign for the Bianconeri remains to be seen. Juventus already boast a plethora of in-form wide players, so he may not be the right fit despite the club’s previous interest.
He would be competing for a starting berth on a regular basis with the in-form quartet of Nicolas Gonzalez, Samuel Mbangula, Timothy Weah and Kenan Yildiz. There’s also Francisco Conceicao, currently on loan from Fiorentina but is expected to be signed on a permanent basis.
Zhegrova’s deal expires at the end of the 2025/26 campaign. He announced on Radio Dukagjini in Kosovo that he will not sign a contract extension, which paves the way for a summer move to Serie A if Lille can cash in on the Kosovo international.
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