This archive report was first published on 11 July 2019.
As the new season approaches, Arsenal manager Unai Emery is intensifying his pursuit of Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha. The Gunners have already seen their initial bid of £40m rejected, with Palace demanding £80m for their star attacker.
Emery has been working with a tight transfer budget this summer, with just £45m available for the Spaniard to spend. However, in a bid to bridge the gap, Arsenal are said to be ready to offer £40m plus Mohamed Elneny, Calum Chambers, and Carl Jenkinson to Palace to sign Zaha.
According to a report by Metro UK, citing SunSport, the north London club value the three players at £40m. Zaha is understood to be keen to move to the Emirates, but the Gunners are hoping the winger hands in a transfer request to Palace.
Earlier this month, Zaha's brother Judicael asked the Eagles to allow the former Man United forward to leave. Judicael revealed Zaha will forever be grateful to Palace and the club's fans, but it is the player's 'dream to play for Arsenal.'
"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," Judicael was quoted saying. "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," he added.
