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Report: Mikel Arteta really likes ‘phenomenal’ PL attacker, Arsenal could make bid in January now

Sam Preston

Tue 25 October 2022 18:45, UK

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is a big admirer of Crystal Palace talisman Wilfried Zaha, who has an uncertain contract situation.

Zaha’s current deal runs out at the end of the season and that has alerted top clubs domestically and abroad, as per .

They report that Arteta is personally a huge fan of the Ivory Coast international, who may well soon be available on a free transfer.

The report says that Zaha dreams of playing in the Champions League and Arsenal are of course on track to return to that competition next season.

Arteta a fan of Zaha

Palace could consider selling Zaha in January, to get some money at the final opportunity in for the winger before he runs out of contract.

But if Palace are battling relegation, the report says they are far less likely to do business over Zaha, who is their best player and main goal threat.

Arsenal could make a winter bid for Zaha, while the report says Liverpool are also keen on the wideman, as well as PSG and both Milan clubs.

“I think he’s a terrific player and I think the impact he’s had in the Premier League in the last few years has been phenomenal,” Arteta in January 2020.

“His ability to create chances on his own is unique. We know Wilf and the type of talent he is.

“When he gets isolated in one-on-one situations, we know what he can do.”

Arteta could make Zaha part of his squad on a cut-price deal after a summer where they did not get a replacement in for Nicolas Pepe before loaning him out.

Zaha was actually linked with Arsenal during the reign of Unai Emery – who is now back in English football with Aston Villa – but they went for Pepe instead.

Now one Ivory Coast international could replace the other in north London, but there is plenty to be said and done before we get to that stage.