Unai Emery told Arsenal should forget about signing Wilfried Zaha
ESPN FC pundit Paul Mariner says Arsenal should forget about signing Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha
Arsenal should forget about signing Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha this summer, according to ESPN expert Paul Mariner.
The Gunners have been linked with a move to sign the Ivory Coast international throughout the summer transfer window so far.
Arsenal were reported to have made a £40m offer for the Ivorian winger that fell a long way short of Palace’s valuation.
The north London side have a limited budget to spend on new signings in the current transfer window.
Former Arsenal star and ESPN pundit Mariner believes Crystal Palace are in a strong position with regards to negotiations with the Gunners.
“Never, it’s never going to happen,” Mariner told ESPN FC when asked about a potential deal for Zaha.
“The reason for that is Crystal Palace can dig their heels in because of his contract.
“They’re quite right to ask for this type of money. Do I think he’s worth it? Absolutely not.
“Would he fit into this Arsenal side? I’m not quite sure.
“I think there’s inconsistencies with a player that’s going to be costing something like £80m.
“Arsenal don’t seem to have that type of money to bring him in, hence them looking at other players in those areas.”
Zaha scored 10 goals and five assists in 34 games in the Premier League last season to establish himself as a top attacking talent in the English top flight.
The Palace winger has netted 32 times in 163 games in all competitions since his return to the Eagles from Manchester United on loan and then a permanent deal in 2014.
Arsenal have only made one signing in the summer transfer window so far after Gabriel Martinelli completed a £1.5m switch to the north London side from Brazilian club Ituano.
The Gunners finished in fifth place in the Premier League table last term to narrowly miss out on a Champions League spot.
