Wilfried Zaha has returned back to Crystal Palace after taking part in the Africa Cup of Nations. And one of the first things that he has done is to tell Roy Hodgson about his desire to move out.
The Ivorian has been in fine form ever since he returned back to Selhurst Park from Manchester United and this summer he has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal.
Reports suggest that Unai Emery has made Wilfried Zaha his primary target this transfer window and the club had even submitted a £40 million bid for the forward which was swiftly rejected by Palace.
Now though it looks like the Ivorian has himself told Crystal Palace about his desire to play for a bigger club next season which inturn has alerted the Gunners.
Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol has updated:
“Wilfried Zaha has told Crystal Palace he wants to leave after returning from the African Cup of Nations. Palace rejected £40m bid.
“Arsenal expected to push again in the coming days. Zaha is Unai Emery’s No 1 target. Emery has wanted him since Palace beat Arsenal 3-2 in April.
“Arsenal is Zaha’s personal preference but even if he doesn’t move there, it won’t stop him wanting to play on the biggest stages.
“He wants to prove to himself that he can be the biggest player at a big club.”
Palace boss Roy Hodgson has made it clear that any interested club will have to pay the right price if they wish to get their hands on Wilfried Zaha this summer.
“I don’t think Arsenal have actually made a bid that has come anywhere near our valuation.” Hodgson is quoted by Sky Sports.
“I’m sure the player realises that if someone’s going to take him away from us, he’ll expect clubs to pay the market value. Until someone does that, there’s not much to discuss regarding Wilf.”
Now Sky Sports are claiming that the Gunners will table an improved offer for Wilfried Zaha in the coming few days and it will be interesting to see how much Unai Emery is offering this time around.
