Everton are reportedly readying a sensational £80 million offer for Arsenal target and Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha.
Everton have been a different side in the transfer window ever since billionaire owner Farhad Moshiri took over the club. While the Merseysiders shocked everyone with a spending spree, they are set to test some top clubs this summer. According to The Sun, Everton are preparing a sensational £80 million ofer for Wilfried Zaha who Arsenal have been tailing all summer long.
Everton are ready to press on Zaha’s desire to leave Palace before the season begins. The Merseysiders are on the lookout for a marquee signing this summer, having already secured a permanent deal for midfielder Andre Gomes. Everton believe they have the financial muscle to pull off a deal and want to display it with a sensational offer for Zaha.
Zaha is valued at £80 million by Palace, and Everton hold that kind of money to make an offer. Manager Marco Silva is looking to add excellent quality players to his side ahead of the new season. Moreover, having sold winger Ademola Lookman to RB Leipzig in a £22.5 million deal, Silva would want the money invested in a replacement.
However, a deal for Zaha is not all about money. The Ivorian prefers a move to Arsenal over any other club right now. The Gunners are also hopeful of reaching an agreement, but their recent £40 million bid was nowhere close to Palace’s asking price. £80 million is what the London club wants, which is beyond Arsenal’s reach by any means considering they are operating on a paltry £45 million budget.
There were rumours of a player exchange as part of the deal, but Palace are thought to want full cash for their prized asset. Palace are also reportedly showing an interest in Arsenal right-back Carl Jenkinson, but this too is expected to be a separate deal.
Everton, like Arsenal, have been searching for a wide forward. Former Arsenal star Danny Welbeck was among the names, while Barcelona’s Malcom has also been touted as a possible target. While both those players are not proven stars, Everton’s interest in Zaha is all too logical given the Palace star’s track record and Premier League experience.
If this interest is concrete or otherwise, Everton still have to convince Zaha their project is better than Arsenal’s. A boyhood Gunners fan, Zaha favours a move to the Emirates. Everton’s interest could be a timely reminder for Arsenal that they are not alone in the race for Zaha. They need a quick resolution to bring the forward to North London.
