Arsenal Opinion: The Gunners should break the bank for Wilfried Zaha

According to a report from BBC, Arsenal have launched a £40m bid for Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha. The Ivory Coast international, 26, has expressed his desire to leave Selhurst Park in the summer window and play European football.

It appears that the winger is holding out for a move to Arsenal to play for the club he has supported from a young age. However, the report claims that Crystal Palace will reject the Gunners’ opening bid as they value Zaha at up to £80m.

The Eagles have already lost Aaron Wan-Bissaka to Manchester United last week and the club does not want to lose the Ivory Coast international in the same transfer window. With that in mind, Arsenal must do everything in their power to sign Zaha from Palace this summer.

Failure to qualify for the Champions League has massively cost the Gunners, with manager Unai Emery now having to wheel and deal to add fresh faces to his squad. So far, the North London giants are yet to sign a player and Emery may have to sell few players to raise funds.

After conceding 50 goals in the Premier League last term, solving the defensive conundrum has to be Emery’s first and foremost priority. But that shouldn’t close the Gunners’ door for attacking reinforcements, with the likes of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Alex Iwobi and Mesut Ozil underperforming.

The Arsenal boss could generate some funds by offloading Mkhitaryan and Ozil this summer. That should free up some space in the squad as well as boost the club’s transfer kitty, which Emery should use for signing a couple of defenders and Zaha.

Zahas enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career last term, scoring ten goals and providing five assists in 34 Premier League appearances while terrorising Arsenal’s defence during Palace’s shock 3-2 win at the Emirates in April.

After an unsuccessful move to Manchester United, he has managed to resurrect his career by moving back to Palace and signed a new five-year contract with the club last year.

The Ivory Coast international is an out-and-out left-winger but he can also play on the right and through the middle. Although, the 26-year old is at his best when stationed on the left flank, as it allows him to cut inside and unleash a shot on goal off his right foot.

Zaha has fantastic pace, unreal dribbling skills and quick feet which helps him surge past defenders in the blink of an eye.

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He has the ability and skills to make a difference at the Emirates, adding a touch of flair to Emery’s attack. All in all, the 26-year-old has the potential and talent to become a key part of the Arsenal side under Emery.

Verdict

If Emery manages to sign Zaha, it would be a statement signing from Arsenal ahead of the 2019/20 campaign.