Summer was a tough time to be Wilfried Zaha, as his dream move to Arsenal collapsed on the very edge. Or did it?
Crystal Palace manager Roy Hudgson has alleviated the claims that Zaha was on brink of signing for the Gunners and has insisted that the Ivory Coast international was not close to join Arsenal despite being heavily linked with a move to the Emirates (which was followed by Everton after Arsenal signed Nicolas Pepe).
In an attempt to force a move away from Selhurst Park, Zaha handed in a transfer request which was rebuffed by the Eagles.
Let me freshen-up your memories – Zaha’s goal at the Emirates dented Arsenal’s hoped of Champions League qualification last season
And ahead of the Crustal Palace’s clash against Unai Emery’s men coming weekend, Roy Hodgson has lifted the lid on Zaha’s much anticipated failed summer move.
“[Zaha was] not very close at all, as far as I know. I believe that the money that was offered, which was widely reported [£40million], was reasonably accurate, and of course, that was way below our valuation.” Hodgson said in a pre-match press conference, as per Football London.
“Maybe their situation changed. Maybe when they [Arsenal] made the offer for Wilf, the situation was x, and perhaps the situation changed, I have no idea. I can’t speak for Arsenal and their intentions.
“If you wanted to know how anxious they were to sign one of our players, they will have to answer that.
“But as far as Wilf is concerned, I think he needs to make certain that he does his very best and shows off his talent every time he plays, because there are lots of teams out there wanting good players, and if he wants to attract one of those clubs, he has to perform at the highest level.
“I don’t think the fact it is Arsenal will change his performance enormously, I would hope not because I would hope he does that against all teams we play against.”
