LONDON – Cote d’Ivoire and Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha has caught the attention of English Premier League giants Arsenal.
Media reports suggest that the Gunners have tabled an offer for the Elephants striker as they look to lure him away from the Eagles camp.
According to the BBC website, the Emirates Stadium-based side has submitted an opening bid of about £40m for the skillful attacker.
Although it is reported that no players have been offered as part of the proposed deal, the bid will likely be rejected by the Selhurst Park-based club.
“Given all that Wilfried has given to Crystal Palace to help them remain a Premier League club, I hope Palace will be able to see their way to agreeing on a deal with Arsenal that allows Wilfried to realise his dream of playing European football for the club he’s supported since childhood,” said Zaha’s brother, Judicael to Sky Sports News.
Zaha is reportedly keen to part ways with Palace this summer and prefers a move to the 2018/19 UEFA Europa League losing finalists.
However, the fact that the Eagles value the West African international at up to £80m fee, that could push the Gunners away.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s summer transfer budget has been restricted by their failure to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
After an unsuccessful move to Manchester United, the 26-year-old made a permanent return to Palace in 2015 and has four years left on his contract, which he signed last summer.
Since he helped Palace earn promotion back to the Premier League in the 2012/13 season, they have finished in the top half just once, coming 10th in 2014/15 when Zaha had returned on a season-long loan from the Red Devils.
Meanwhile, Zaha has led the 2015 African champions to the Last 16 stages of the currently ongoing CAF Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Egypt.
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