Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has spoken about Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha following recent transfer comments from the player regarding his previous talks over joining the club.
The Ivory Coast international recently revealed to Jamie Carragher on The Greatest Game podcast that he spoke directly with previous Arsenal boss Unai Emery about moving to the Emirates Stadium.
MORE: Pundit praises “clever” potential Arsenal signing
In the end, however, Arsenal ended up signing Nicolas Pepe instead, but it seems clear from Zaha’s comments that he was perfectly ready to make the move to north London.
Many Gooners may now regret that they moved for Pepe instead of Zaha, with the former Lille man proving a flop in the Premier League so far.
Zaha, by contrast, is proven at this level and continues to shine for Palace, with Arteta acknowledging that he’s done well to make himself into a big name.
However, when asked about Zaha’s transfer comments, he neglected to go much further than that, simply stating that he’s a Palace player.
“I was on the bench thinking ‘please don’t put me on, I can’t go on this pitch after three brandies and Coca-Cola’ And then I was brought on.” – PL legend reveals playing whilst DRUNK against Arsenal! Click here to read more.
“Undoubtedly he’s a player who has done exceptionally well in the Premier League,” Arteta is quoted by the Metro.
“He has created a big name because what he’s been able to do, sometimes on his own with some individual actions, is what people highlight most of the time.
“He is a player who plays for Palace at the moment, and that’s it.”
sign him
Zaha is no doubt a good player who could fit in well at Arsenal. But the problem is the unwarranted astronomical transfer fee for EPL players. Depending on the fee Arsenal may want to sign him.