Back in his prime, there were few attackers who could get past Patrick Vieira in the Arsenal midfield – the Frenchman was a titan of a player.
Aerially, you had no chance. On the ground, his tackling ability was second to none, and in a shoulder-to-shoulder, again, you had no chance.
However, Wilfried Zaha – who now plays under Vieira at Crystal Palace – believes he could’ve caused the World Cup winner a few problems.
What’s the story?
Well, the Ivory Coast international – who is actually a target for Mikel Arteta this summer – has admitted Vieira wouldn’t be able to live with him.
In a video from Crystal Palace’s Copers Cope training ground, Zaha can be heard saying: “Not even you yourself would have been able to live with me.”
Hilariously, Vieira just stands there and laughs at the 29-year-old, who has already walked away after making his point to the 45-year-old.
In fairness to him, Zaha has already caused plenty of Premier League players problems this season.
The Crystal Palace No.11 – who is valued at £40m with his contract expiring in June 2023 – has scored 13 goals in 33 games this term, while also providing two assists.
Arsenal should ignore Wilfried Zaha
In our view, the time to sign Zaha has been and gone – it feels as if that ship has sailed.
The Crystal Palace talisman turns 30 in November, and with Arteta building a side primarily of Under-23 players, the Ivorian doesn’t really fit into the Spaniard’s project at the Emirates Stadium.
That £40m sum would be better spent on another bright young talent with bags of experience, such as Martin Ødegaard.
Having said that, Arteta might actually fancy throwing a more seasoned professional in amongst his young gunners, to help guide them through the messier parts of next season.
Whatever happens, keep an eye on this saga, as Zaha is said to be an Arsenal fan – therefore, anything could happen this summer.
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