Arsenal have apparently ‘all but given up’ on their pursuit of Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha.
Zaha had emerged as Unai Emery’s key transfer target this summer as he looks to strengthen his squad at the Emirates, however, the Ivorian’s hefty valuation and Arsenal‘s reported lack of funding may see the North London side look at alternatives.
“I’ve been told that Arsenal have all but given up on Zaha because Palace are standing firm,” Rob Dorsett said on Sky Sports.
“They’ve got their money for Wan-Bissaka, they don’t need to sell Wilfried Zaha.
“Of course it doesn’t mean it won’t happen, there’s a long way in this window still to go. But we’ll see what happens there.”
Sky Sports’ Kaveh Solekhol also doubted whether Arsenal would be able to finance a move to secure the 26-year-old.
Having failed to secure Champions League qualification for a third consecutive season, Emery’s transfer budget is reported to be just £40m, plus whatever they can come up with through player sales.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s £50m departure to Manchester United also means that Roy Hodgson’s side are under no pressure to sell their prized asset, with Palace valuing the academy graduate at the best part of £100m.
“There are now doubts about whether Arsenal can afford to sign him,” Solhekol said.
“Palace are very, very relaxed. They’ve got their £50m from selling Aaron Wan-Bissaka. They value Zaha at closer to £100m.
“Palace under no pressure to sell him at all.”
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