Arsenal are reportedly plotting a £40 million summer bid for Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha, who is also a Manchester United target.
According to an exclusive report by The Sun, Arsenal are not giving up hope of signing Wilfried Zaha in the summer transfer window. The Gunners are lining up a bid worth £40 million for the Crystal Palace superstar, who is also the subject of interest from Manchester United.
From seeing his career head nowhere while at Manchester United to becoming one of the most fearsome attacking forces in the Premier League upon returning to Crystal Palace, Wilfried Zaha has come a long way. But, his advent does not bode well for the Eagles, who have seen interest in the 26-year-old skyrocket.
Zaha, who has enjoyed his best ever campaign as a senior footballer, is being tailed by former club Manchester United as well as Arsenal ahead of the summer transfer window.
Zaha could solve one major problem that Unai Emery experienced in his maiden campaign as the Arsenal manager. While star strikers Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang pulled their weight and more, the lack of a natural winger meant that the Gunners’ attack lacked depth this season.
This is where Zaha could come into the picture for Arsenal, who could finally add a winger who can make a sustained impact in just about every area in the final third of the pitch. But, the North Londoners are not alone in his pursuit, with Manchester United also keen on him.
The Red Devils also have a similar problem in attack, like Arsenal, albeit one that pertains solely to the right wing slot. The aforementioned area of the pitch has been a long-standing issue, as a result of which the Manchester United attack has become predictable over the years.
Zaha is thus, a viable target for Manchester United, who have been quoted to be in pole position to sign him. But, Arsenal are showing some serious interest in the 26-year-old and are ready to launch the offensive in his pursuit.
As per The Sun, the Gunners are ready to lodge a £40 million bid for the Ivory Coast international, although it falls way short of Crystal Palace’s £80 million valuation. Arsenal though, are restricted by a tight budget, that might only be expanded if they qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Therein lies another problem, as Zaha would prefer playing Champions League football next term. And, if none of his suitors are playing in the competition, chances are Manchester United would fancy their chances of snapping him up.
Arsenal though, can ensure he stays in London while being a key first-team player in the UEFA Champions League, if they manage to win the Europa League later this month. But, the transfer fee remains a bone of contention, with Crystal Palace adamant that a suitor meets their £80 million asking price, something Manchester United might have no qualms about.
Things appear to be in the balance in the race to sign Wilfried Zaha. It now remains to be seen if Arsenal are able to secure his services, or if Manchester United take him back to Old Trafford in the summer.
