Arsenal pull out of Zaha race, as Walcott set to re-sign

Details: Written by Barnaby Merrill; Published: Thursday, 03 January 2013 13:12

After reports that Theo Walcott is set to sign a new contract at Arsenal at long last, it seems that Arsenal will now end their interest, at least for now, in Crystal Palace prospect Wilfried Zaha.

The Ivorian-born winger seemed a certainty to join Arsenal and has already agreed personal terms.

Unfair deal

This shows that Zaha was likely a replacement for Walcott, unless the interest is resurrected in the summer.

Despite Zaha agreeing personal terms with the club he supports, Palace want him to stay for their promotion push, and have demanded any signing of him be accompanied with a loan back until the end of the season, like Chelsea did with Kevin de Bruyne.

Furthermore, they want the buying club to loan them three players to help with their promotion push in the second half of the season. It all seems a bit steep for an unproven youngster, admittedly one with great potential.

A club more likely to take this deal is Manchester United, though Zaha would prefer a move to Arsenal. When asked about moving to the Premier League, the 20-year-old said this:

"I'm not a teenager anymore, I've played more than 100 first-team games and this year is crucial to develop my football career. I want to establish myself in the Premier League and in international football.

I've played a lot in the Championship so having that new challenge in the Premier League, where everyone wants to be, would be great.

To be honest, if I had the chance in January and Palace agreed, it's something I'd want to go for."

He may want to move, but Palace want 15m for him. They're more likely to get 10, and not for a while.

Best to leave Zaha for a while and concentrate on players who can make an immediate impact.

Loyalty

The only advantage to buying Zaha now is that he would be a Carl Jenkinson type, a fan playing for the team he loves, and what's more, it would add to the British core at the club.

It could be the sixth England international at Arsenal, which is far removed from the all-foreign 2006 side that Alan Pardew hates so much.

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Comments

#6 Trent 2013-01-05 01:04

Mitch, i do see your point but if or when Arsenal sign Villa, Arsene wants to play a 4-4-2 formation so other than strikers you need more mid fielders.

#5 Joe Bloggs 2013-01-04 15:06

For what Zaha wil cost in the British transfer market, I think that Arsene Wenger would be better advise to steal a march on all the other cubs watching Isco of Malaga, valued at about £12m - £15m I think it would be excellent business and hopefully with Carzola already at Arsenal it could influenece his choice.

+2 #4 Chukwudi 2013-01-03 18:13

I don't think arsenal should drop zaha cos of possible agreements wit walcott...... Zaha could still make a good forward..and besides dat makes two possible good forwards for arsenal....

#3 The BearMan 2013-01-03 13:57

The only reason Arsenal will drop out on Zaha is if a bidding war commences with the other clubs. But we all know Wenger goes fishing without hook n bait.

+1 #2 Matt 2013-01-03 13:54

'Unfair deal', 'A bit steep' lol. Of all the so called big clubs I thought Arsenal wouldn't have thrown their toys out of the pram over this but apparently not. I thought success bred this sort of ridiculous superiority complex but clearly not...

+3 #1 mitch 2013-01-03 13:43

Where have you taken this presumption of withdrawal from? 'TalkRubbish' Radio I assume. The reality with any deal for Zaha is that yes, he will replace Theo, but only on the wing and therefore potentially play in the same team as him. If Theo signs he will mostly play centrally, so a new wide player will still be a necessity. Whether Theo leaves or not, Zaha would still be needed. It's the likes of Adrian Lopez, someone who is more of a striker, who will no longer be required.

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