According to 90min, Arsenal are ready to reignite their interest in Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha, after a failed pursuit in 2019.
The Gunners attempted to land the £130,000-a-week attacker while Unai Emery was in charge, offering the Eagles £40 million for their talisman.
After it was rejected, Arsenal turned their attention to Nicolas Pepe, who arrived for a club-record fee of £72 million.
Speaking after he was sacked, Emery claimed he was desperate for Zaha instead of Pepe, and went on to wax lyrical about Crystal Palace’s No.11.
As quoted by the Guardian, the Spaniard said: “We signed Pepe. He’s a good player but we didn’t know his character and he needs time, patience.
“I favoured someone who knew the league and wouldn’t need to adapt. Zaha won games on his own: Tottenham, Manchester City, us. Incredible performances. I told them: ‘This is the player I know and want.’”
These words still ring true today – Arsenal should definitely make another attempt to sign the 28-year-old, in our view.
Zaha has scored nine Premier League goals this season in an attack-shy Crystal Palace side who have scored just 32 goals in 30 outings.
Roy Hodgson’s side also rank 18th in terms of ‘big chances created’ having made just 25 clear-cut opportunities in 30 Premier League games.
In that respect, Zaha has done well.
Back in 2019, Crystal Palace wanted £80 million, according to The Times.
Now, however, the deal seems much simpler to complete. 90min claim that the south Londoners are willing to sell this time around, as they need funds for their own squad overhaul.
Keep an eye on this transfer saga, as it could have legs.
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