According to reports, Arsenal have had a £40 million bid for Crystal Palace winger Wilfred Zaha rejected.
This follows reports last week which said that Arsenal want to sign Wilfred Zaha this summer. However, the reports came with a caveat that they couldn’t afford it without being in the Champions League.
Wilfred Zaha is an Arsenal fan and apparently told the club that he wants to sign. Crystal Palace value him at £80 million. While he may not be worth that much, it would probably take at least £60 million to sign him.
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Arsenal are notoriously terrible at the transfer market, particularly so when trying to sign a big star. In such a situation, Arsenal tend to make things much more difficult than they already are.
Arsenal being Arsenal, made a £40 million pound bid for Zaha, which was reported on Monday.
At the same time, quotes about the situation from Zaha’s brother came out.
“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,” said Judicael Zaha.
“It’s my brother’s dream though, to play for Arsenal. Given all that Wilfried has given to Crystal 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.”
We can infer that there is some behind-the-scenes shenanigans going on here to try and push a deal through. However, Arsenal may have shot themselves in the foot.
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The BBC’s David Ornstein on Tuesday reported that Crystal Palace are ‘incensed’ by Arsenal’s £40 million offer.
“Palace believe Arsenal’s method in this case is outdated and naive.
“They have no intention of lowering their valuation and are confident that Zaha’s relationship with the club is long-standing and strong enough to ensure he resumes his duties without a problem if a move does not come to fruition.”
