Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol has revealed that Arsenal have made initial contact with the representatives of Wilfried Zaha ahead of a potential move for his signature. The 26-year-old is currently in the ranks of Crystal Palace but he appears to have set his sights on securing a dream move to the Emirates Stadium.
He wrote: “Wilfried Zaha wants to leave Crystal Palace. Wants to stay in London & play European football. Arsenal expected to make offer after representatives held initial talks sounding out possibility of a deal. Signing for Arsenal this summer would be Wilfried Zaha’s dream move. Palace don’t want to sell. Valued at £80m. Man Utd have 25% sell on clause.”
Arsenal are working on a restricted budget for the summer transfer window and the £80m valuation for the Ivorian represents nearly double of the transfer kitty available to them. As such, a deal appears unlikely at the moment, though things could change, should the winger seek to hand in a transfer request at the south London club.
Still, there are suggestions that the Eagles could demand as much as £55m for the attacker and the Gunners may need to recoup additional funds from the sale of few existing players. Mohamed Elneny, Nacho Monreal and Carl Jenkinson have been some of the regular names mentioned, though fresh reports claim that they could entertain the shock sale of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Gabon international has been attracting speculated interest from Manchester United.