Romano issues big update on Arsenal pursuit of 89-goal forward: ‘He will decide in the next weeks’

admin 28 April 2024, 22:14 yayınlandı

Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha is weighing up his options amid ongoing links with a move to Arsenal, according to reports.

The 30-year-old’s current contract at Selhurst Park is set to expire at the end of the season, so he could be available on a free transfer this summer.

However, Palace are said to be offering him a lucrative new contract, so Zaha has a big decision to make over the next few weeks.

As previously reported by Football365,

Zaha has almost certainly been Palace’s most important player over the last few years, so it would be a major blow to Roy Hodgson and co if they did lose him.

Indeed, since joining the Eagles from Manchester United in 2015, the forward has featured 455 times across all competitions, scoring 89 goals and making 76 assists in the process.

A versatile player, Zaha has the ability to play as a winger on either flank or as a central striker, so he could provide cover in multiple areas for Mikel Arteta if he makes the switch to Arsenal.

However, reputed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has offered fresh hope to Palace supporters, after revealing the player is still considering their contract proposal.

Writing for CaughtOffside, Romano said: “I’m told Wilfried Zaha has not made a final decision on the future yet.

“Crystal Palace are offering him a very important contract; he will decide in the next weeks.

“I’m not aware of a concrete proposal or talks with Arsenal yet, Bayern have different priorities now.”

The Gunners are absolutely flying at the moment – sitting six points clear at the top of the Premier League table and in with a real chance of securing their first title since 2004.

Now, with Champions League football guaranteed at the Emirates next season, it may be difficult for Zaha to turn down a switch to Arsenal if the opportunity arose.

His current front line of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli (as well as Eddie Nketiah as a backup option) have been key to their success this term, so the Palace forward would probably struggle to break into the starting XI.

Zaha is reportedly looking for a contract worth £115,000 per week, which would make him Arsenal’s 11th-highest earner if he did join them this summer.

With that in mind, even if he is available on a free transfer, the attacker would still be quite a costly addition for the Gunners.

If they decide against signing Zaha, Bayern, Dortmund and Monaco will be waiting in the wings to snap up the Palace star.