Arsenal target Wilfred Zaha has been in talks with the Gunners over a possible transfer. His current club, Crystal Palace, have already denied that the Ivory Coast international will stay with the Eagles after the Unai Emery led side have failed to reach their demands for the former Manchester United winger.
Crystal Palace recently launched their new PUMA away kit and it was well received by the supporters but the Ivorian was missing from the launch of the jersey which did not go down well with the fans. The transfer rumour of Arsenal snapping him up in the new few days were not well accepted by the Crystal Palace fans as they want Zaha to continue with them at Selhurst Park next season.
However, Wilfred Zaha had earlier come out and revealed his intention to play in Europe in the future, indicating a move away from the South London outfit in the summer transfer window. The 26-year old winger was with the Ivory Coast national team in Egypt participating in the Africa Cup of Nations, where Les Elephants lost out on penalties to Algeria in the quarterfinals after holding them to a 1-1 draw until the end of extra time. The former Manchester United winger was crucial to Ibhrahim Kamara’s side throughout the campaign as the 26-year old ended up scoring twice along with an assist at the continental jamboree.
But if the Eagles were sure about the player’s future they should have already hosted the jersey launch ahead of Zaha leaving for his national duties with Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations. The absence of the forward has rung some bells definitely. Zaha has shown a keen interest in joining the Gunners and Unai Emery also looks to be investing in the player. Arsenal’s £40m bid for the Ivorian was immediately rejected as the Eagles want £80million for their star man.
The Crystal Palace man was annoyed by the whole transfer fiasco and lashed out at the media who are publishing different stories every day. Questioning the media on Saturday, Zaha asked: “Whatever happened to speaking facts? It’s sad and annoying how anyone will just open their mouth and speak on things or situations they know absolutely nothing about.”
Reporter at AFCON: Would you like to play for Arsenal? Wilfried Zaha: 'I don't know, we'll see in the future'. pic.twitter.com/M6ipxDE4Pn
— AFCnewsroom (@TheAFCnewsroom) July 5, 2019
While all the rumours of the 26-year old joining Arsenal were published, Judicael Zaha decided to speak to Sky Sports on behalf of his brother. He said: “Wilfried will always hold Crystal Palace and their fans in the highest regard and all the support they have given means the world to him. It is my brother’s dream though, to play for Arsenal. Given all Wilfried has given to Palace to help them remain a Premier League 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.”
However, after his brother has spoken about his Arsenal interest, Wilfred Zaha decided to remain tightly lipped about the whole situation. Arsenal were also linked with several players before Wilfred Zaha and the list included players like Sampdoria attacking midfielder Denis Praet, Bournemouth winger Ryan Fraser and former Atletico Madrid man, Yannick Ferreira Carrasco.
