It simply wouldn't be a summer transfer window without Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha being linked with a Selhurst Park exit. This summer has seen plenty of rumours circling the Ivory Coast international, with the latest being reported interest from Chelsea and Arsenal as they look to bolster their attacking numbers.
For the Blues, they are still looking at a number of options for their forward line as Thomas Tuchel tries to solve their goal scoring woes. football.london understands Chelsea are confident of getting a deal over the line for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang before the end of the window, while talks continue over a big money move for Everton's Anthony Gordon.
As for the Gunners, the majority of their business was completed before the season started, with their focus since being switched to outgoings. However, one recent exit was that of club-record signing Nicolas Pepe to OGC Nice on loan, leaving Mikel Arteta with little cover on the right-wing.
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Plenty of players have also been linked with a move to the Emirates, with Pedro Neto, Moussa Diaby and Yeremy Pino all options in the transfer market. However, the reported interest in Zaha could see them clash with their London rivals to land the winger in the next week.
The Eagles forward has been a key player for many years in their team, helping them earn promotion before a difficult spell at Manchester United. His return to Selhurst Park was greeted with jubilation, going on to set the standard at Palace for many years since.
With Patrick Vieira helping build a new style with an exciting recruitment strategy, there still remains questions over the future of Zaha. Speaking before this weekend's trip to Manchester City, he said: "He’s been fantastic since I’ve been in the football club on and off the field.
"I think he’s taken responsibility, he’s a mature player, he’s working every single day to try to improve, and he’s been doing well for us. Last year when I came over there was a lot of speculation about him, and I think you’re always going to have this conversation in the window because of the quality of player he is, so we just have to deal with it.
"We started the season really well, he wanted to do really well and I see him every day in training. When the team is playing well obviously he is one of the talented players who is always going to shine. We are talking about how we want to play the game and how he can improve his goalscoring and do well for the squad and for the team. He is an important player on and off the field.
"I think you can see the love that the fans show him every week. He came through the system, he loves being at this football club, and there is no reason why that should change."
It perhaps tells the two London clubs exactly where Palace and Zaha stand on a potential transfer in the next week. It could be a tough one to manoeuvre with little time left to get a deal over the line.
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