EXCL: Arsenal now considering signing Man Utd FLOP on free transfer in the summer – player wants new challenge
Arsenal are interested in signing Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha on a free transfer this summer, according to a new report.
The 30-year-old forward began his second spell at Selhurst Park in January 2015, initially signing on loan from Manchester United before making the move permanent that summer.
Zaha had made himself known via his rapid rise through the Palace academy and into the first team, where he established himself as one of the Championship’s hottest prospects.
His move to United was announced prior to the 2013 play-off final, in which the Eagles defeated Watford 1-0 to earn promotion to the Premier League.
But while his stint at Old Trafford was not successful, his return to Palace certainly has been. Zaha has played over 300 games for the club in all competitions since his comeback, scoring 71 goals.
As a key member of the side, the London club are desperate to keep their star man this summer, but the forward is yet to commit to fresh terms.
Speculation has been abound for several months in regards to his future – and a new report suggests Arsenal have joined the growing list of clubs interested in securing his signature.
Arsenal ‘interested in signing Zaha’
According to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, a number of top European clubs are tracking the 30-year-old ahead of a potential move.
Zaha has been able to speak to clubs outside of England over a pre-contract agreement since January, and it is claimed that both Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are interested in bringing him to Germany.
Furthermore, Aouna also reports that Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr – who have Cristiano Ronaldo on their books – want to sign the Palace star, with Al-Ittihad also alleged to be keen.
However, it is said that Zaha prefers a move to Europe if he does depart Selhurst Park, with Arsenal another club to be plotting a potential move.
The Gunners attempted to sign the Ivory Coast international in 2019. The forward revealed in an interview with Jamie Carragher on his ‘The Greatest Game’ podcast that he held talks with then-boss Unai Emery, and both parties were interested in a move.
However, Arsenal decided to sign Nicolas Pepe from Lille instead for a club-record fee.
They could seal a deal for Zaha for a much lower total cost this summer – although Aouna claims he has not ruled out extending his eight-year permanent stay with Crystal Palace either at this stage.
