James McNicholas of The Athletic has been discussing the rumours linking Wilfried Zaha with a move to Arsenal this summer during a recent episode of Arsecast Extra.
The north London giants were said to be interested in the Ivorian last summer but opted to sign Nicolas Pepe instead after the two clubs failed to agree on a transfer fee for the now-27-year-old. Zaha made 38 appearances for Roy Hodgson’s side in the Premier League last season, contributing four goals and five assists (as per Transfermarkt.co.uk).
According to a report in the Daily Star, Mikel Arteta is a ‘secret admirer’ of the winger and so could be tempted to move for the player this summer.
During a recent episode of the podcast, McNicholas was asked his view on whether or not the club should be looking to sign the former Manchester United man, to which he replied:
“He’s a big Arsenal fan, he’s obviously desperate to come. Logically, I don’t think it makes any real sense. Completely subjectively, I would quite like to see Zaha play for Arsenal, I think it would be fun.
“Given my broader points about [the] financial situation and the way the squad should be built, I don’t think I can get on board with it.”
Would you like to see the club move for Wilfried Zaha this summer?
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Last summer, the Eagles were demanding £80m for the player but according to Transfermarkt.co.uk, his current value stands at £39.6m and it is not clear how much, if at all, Palace would be willing to drop last summer’s asking price.
Zaha’s average performance rating in the Premier League last season was a very respectable 6.98/10 according to WhoScored.com, however, given the talent Arsenal already possess in the wide areas and with Willian said to be close to arriving, too, we don’t think this would be a sensible bit of business for the Gunners.