
Arsenal
Premier League • England
Paul Merson explains why long-term Arsenal target’s transfer might not be mutually beneficial

Paul Merson feels Arsenal will try to sign Wilfried Zaha next summer but has warned the Crystal Palace forward that it might not be the best move.
Zaha, 29, has been with the Eagles since August 2014 when he re-signed following an unsuccessful spell with Manchester United. The Ivory Coast international has become a firm fans’ favourite at Selhurst Park. With an ability to ghost past defenders, he is a player who gets supporters out of their seats.
While not a prolific goalscorer, the African has scored 88 in all competitions across two stints with Palace.
Last season’s return of 14 was his best effort in the Premier League. But he is on track to better that number his term, with five from just nine outings.
The former Cardiff City loan man has understandably been linked with many clubs over the years. And it seemed as though he might join the Gunners back in 2019 when Unai Emery was at the Emirates helm.
That transfer failed to materialise but Zaha has made no secret of his desire to play for a big club in the Champions League.
He will be a free agent next summer but former Arsenal forward Merson believes the grass is not always greener.
“Wilfried Zaha plays every week at Crystal Palace,” he wrote in The Daily Star. “He can have a bad game and still start the following match and that might not happen at a Big Six club.
“I think he should seriously consider his options before running down his contract.”
Arsenal move could stall Zaha career
Despite turning 30 on November 10, Zaha is still performing at the top of his game. Indeed the man from Abidjan is arguably enjoying his best season in a Palace shirt.
Merson feels his old club may well look to lure him to north London in the summer of 2023. But it is a move that could seriously restrict his time on he pitch.
“He’s a legend at Palace and the manager loves him,” he added. “I see someone like Arsenal coming in for him if they get into the Champions League but do you go there and risk becoming a bit-part player?
“You’re then going on a free. It’s not like you’re Darwin Nunez, who cost £85m and therefore has to play.
“Will he want to play for one week and then drop to the bench? I’m just not sure whether the grass is going to be greener for Zaha.
“He’s playing the best football of his career and there is a reason for that. He needs to sit down and have a big think about his future.”
Plenty of options for flying winger
Zaha will not be short of suitors if he does see out his contract at Palace. Arsenal may have been favourites in the past but becoming a free agent changes everything.
Both Chelsea and Liverpool have been mentioned in connection with the talented forward. Signing for either of those clubs virtually guarantees Champions League football.
But other clubs will certainly be aware of his situation. And Zaha might finally get to fulfil his ambition of mixing it with the big boys.
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