Sensational Arsenal target is yet to agree contract extension – he could sign for the Gunners in January
Crystal Palace star is set to leave the club when his contract expires in the summer, according to reports – with Arsenal linked with a move for the Ivory Coast international.
Rumours over Zaha’s future have been consistent this season, with the 29-year-old still yet to commit to a new deal at Selhurst Park.
But the Daily Mail claim Palace have offered him a new contract, with the Eagles keen to tie their star man down for a long time to come.
Palace have a major issue looming if they cannot convince Zaha to extend, with the forward entering the last six months of his deal in January.
From then, he is free to negotiate with overseas clubs over a pre-contract agreement – meaning he can agree to join another club when his Palace deal expires.
This doesn’t apply to English clubs, who can only discuss the same agreement with a player when they enter the final month of their contract.
Zaha has been in good goalscoring form this term, netting five times in the Premier League, and providing an assist, in 14 appearances.
He is a key part of Palace boss Patrick Vieira’s system and style of play, and would undoubtedly be a big loss to the club if he was to decide to leave.
And Arsenal are reportedly keen to lure him away from Selhurst Park.
Wilfried Zaha to Arsenal?
The Daily Mail also claim that a perception amongst critics that Zaha cannot cut it at a top European club – after his unsuccessful stint at Manchester United between 2013 and 2015 – has ‘frustrated’ the player.
A move to a major club would also present the opportunity of European football, which is something he is yet to experience at Palace or at any point during his career.
Arsenal are amongst the clubs, also including Liverpool, that are keeping tabs on Zaha’s contract situation. But given the potential of a pre-contract scenario involving the Ivory Coast international and an overseas club, they may have to swoop in January.
The Gunners want to add competition in attacking areas, with both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli undisputed starters at the Emirates Stadium currently.
Zaha still has nearly two months to decide on whether to accept Palace’s proposal, but if he doesn’t, expect interest in his services to grow even more.
