A new name is in the mix to replace Alexis Sanchez at the Emirates, reports The Sun, and it’s none other than Wilfried Zaha.
The 25-year-old Crystal Palace striker is said to be on Arsene Wenger’s radar with the Gunners gaffer reportedly ready to table a £35million bid.
The Ivory Coast international has scored two goals in five Premier League games this season, despite a knee injury restricting his appearances for the Selhurst Park outfit.
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Zaha, who had an ill-fated stint at Manchester United a few seasons ago, was linked to Tottenham last summer and although nothing came from those rumours, the Sun says that Arsenal’s interest is authentic.
Apparently Wenger “believes he has the ability to replace Sanchez”, who is expected to leave the club for Manchester City in January, but the question remains as to whether Palace would be ready to talk business.
A factor that may come into their thinking is Roy Hodgson’s reported interest in signing Jack Wilshere. It was said last week that the former England manager turned Palace boss would like to bring the midfielder to the club, and Wilshere could be ready to make the switch as he tries to get regular game time to force his way into England’s World Cup squad.
If Sanchez is on his way out of the Emirates in the new year, one Gunner who says he is going nowhere is Olivier Giroud, says the Independent.
The Gallic goalscorer netted for France in their 2-0 defeat of Wales on Friday (although he reportedly picked up a thigh strain in the process) and when asked later if he wished Wenger would give him starts, Giroud replied: “He’s always supporting me and there is a lot of trust in each other. He trusts in me and I try to give it back on the pitch when I can.”
As to the possibility of moving to another club in search of regular football, Giroud said: “For the moment I am not questioning myself about my future. I am happy at Arsenal and I am fine with the decision to stay because I want to.”
