‘Can hurt you’: Paul Merson hails ‘phenomenal’ winger reportedly on Arsenal radar

Fri 26 August 2022 20:45, UK

Arsenal are reportedly looking to wrap up their summer transfer business by signing a new winger.

The Gunners have done very well in the current window, making several superb and much-needed signings.

However, Arsenal are yet to bring in a new senior winger, despite their attempts over the past few months.

The Gunners reportedly tried to sign Raphinha, but he ended up joining Barcelona instead.

Pedro Neto is the current main name apparently on Arsenal’s radar, but there are other links too.

Dean Jones recently claimed that the Gunners are once again eyeing Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha.

He told , who said that Arsenal are looking at Zaha “in the background”

The 29-year-old “is definitely one of those players that ticks the boxes and that Arsenal have an eye on”, he added.

Zaha has enjoyed a superb start to the season, with three goals in three matches.

Across two spells, the 29-year-old has made more than 430 appearances for Palace, registering .

Crucially, Zaha’s contract expires next season, so the Eagles could have a difficult decision to make in the next few days.

According to , Palace currently have no intention of allowing Zaha to leave on a free transfer.

But if the “” winger doesn’t pen fresh terms, they stand to lose him for little to nothing next year.

“He’s in great form”

Palace have two more games before the transfer window shuts, starting with Manchester City away on Saturday.

Arguably the toughest fixture in the league, Patrick Vieira’s charges will need to be at their best to get something.

Arsenal legend Paul Merson, writing on , has backed Zaha to make a difference if he plays well.

“Palace can hurt Man City on the counter and I do see them scoring a goal this weekend,” he wrote.

“They need to play it by the minute and take the game in ten-minute spells.

“If it’s still 0-0 at half-time and Wilfried Zaha plays well, Palace have every chance.

“He’s in great form at the moment and can hurt you on the counter.