Zaha’s time with Crystal Palace
After struggling to make it with Manchester United, Wilfried Zaha returned to Crystal Palace on a permanent basis in February of 2015.
The Eagles are believed to have paid around £3.45m to resign Zaha.
In total, Zaha has played a whopping 323 games across all competitions for the Eagles, in which he has scored 53 and assist 65.
The 2018/19 campaign saw the forward net 10 and assist 10 in 36 Premier League outings.
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 21: Wilfried Zaha of Crystal Palace celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal whilst Shkodran Mustafi of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on April 21, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
Arsenal bid for Zaha
After another solid season with Palace, Zaha appears to be attracting some attention from Arsenal.
It was reported earlier this month that the Gunners had bid around £40m for Wilfried Zaha.
Have been told Arsenal’s opening £40m offer for Zaha was staggered over five years. Inevitable given #afc’s limited funds (and not uncommon in transfers generally) but given #cpfc’s stance, it’s a further indication of how far talks have to progress. https://t.co/uSfbgOXvn1
— James Olley (@JamesOlley) July 2, 2019
That bid is said to have been rejected with The Times reporting Palace value the Ivorian closer to £80m.
Zaha’s brother then spoke out about the bid and claimed it was his brother’s dream to play for Arsenal.
Wilfried Zaha’s brother Judicael has told Sky Sports News: ‘Wilfried will always hold Crystal Palace and their fans in the highest regard and all the support they’ve given means the world to him. It’s my brother’s dream though, to play for Arsenal. 1/2
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) July 1, 2019
Zaha brother: “Given all Wilfried has given to Palace to help them remain a PL club, I hope Palace will be able to see their way to agreeing a deal with Arsenal that allows Wilfried to realise his dream of playing European Football for the club he’s supported since childhood” 2/2
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) July 1, 2019
Zaha is currently on international duty with the Ivory Coast.
They will face Mali on Monday. Ahead of that game, Zaha was asked to comment on the alleged bid from Arsenal but he declined to give anything away:
“I have no comment on it [Arsenal’s bid].
“The only thing that’s on my mind right now is trying to win this cup [Africa Cup of Nations].”As quoted by the Mirror.
Related: Former Arsenal & Man City star Samir Nasri joins Vincent Kompany’s Anderlecht
Arsenal offering €35m for Real Madrid’s Lucas Vazquez – AS
