Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is said to be an admirer of Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha with the Ivorian winger linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners are thought to be keen on adding a new forward to Arteta's squad in the January transfer window, though Palace will be reluctant to let their star attacker leave mid-season. The Eagles are continuing to try and negotiate a contract renewal for Zaha with his current deal set to expire at the end of the 2022/23 season.
The 29-year-old was the subject of a £40million bid from Arsenal under Unai Emery's management, but a move failed to materialise with Palace valuing Zaha at £80million, resulting in Nicolas Pepe being signed from Lille for £72million instead. Ex-Gunners midfielder Paul Merson has warned the Palace star over a potential move to the Emirates Stadium as interest continues to grow regarding a potential transfer.
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Arsenal are set to face competition from London rivals Chelsea, as well as Liverpool, with the Blues still interested in securing his services next season. Arsenal are being kept informed of Zaha's situation with Mikel Arteta believed to be an admirer of his, as per 90min.
The report suggests that clubs from abroad including Paris Saint-Germain, Inter and AC Milan are monitoring the 29-year-old's situation at Selhurst Park. Foreign clubs hold a key advantage to those in the Premier League as they are able to negotiate a pre-contract agreement from January, whereas the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool will need to wait until the summer transfer window opens.
It's possible that Palace could look to sell Zaha in the January window in an effort to avoid losing their star player without receiving a transfer fee, though it would depend on whether or not they were involved in a relegation scrap. Patrick Vieira has reiterated the Eagles' stance, but growing interest from clubs featuring in the Champions League may sway the 29-year-old's decision as to where he plays his football next season.
Arsenal will be hoping to secure a place in next year's elite European club competition and are looking good as they currently sit top of the Premier League table. Zaha has revealed in the past he is a big Gunners fan and with Arteta thought to be an admirer of Zaha as well, a deal could quickly be agreed if the Palace star snubs interest from abroad.
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