Crystal Palace's Ivorian striker Wilfried Zaha celebrates scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Leicester City at Selhurst Park in south London on December 28, 2020. (Photo by FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
According to Mirror, Arsenal legend Ray Parlour was of the opinion that he would love to see Wilfried Zaha at the club. The Crystal Palace talisman was linked with a move to the Gunners in 2019 but the club went for Nicolas Pepe instead. Parlour added that Zaha is a real talent and that he would have preferred Zaha to be at the club.
The Gunners were believed to have struck gold with a new contract for star striker Pierre-Emerick Aumabeyang earlier in the year. That was a just reward on the back of a 22-goal haul in the PL last season for the Gabonese but he has been far from impressive this term. Aubameyang has been at the centre of Arsenal’s nightmarish start to the campaign with the Gabonese star not matching his usual levels.
With Willian, Pepe and Lacazette all struggling to hit top gear, a potential deal for another forward in January could just be the transfer spark that the Gunners need to go up and running once again. It is no surprise that Ray Parlour has urged the club to go for a signing like Zaha.
Sometimes it’s easy to forget how long Wilfried Zaha has been around given he is still only 28. He has come a long way from not making the cut at Manchester United to making a name for himself at Crystal Palace.
The Ivorian has been Palace’s go-to man for the last few seasons, bagging goals every season to keep them in the Premier League. Despite not being surrounded by a star-studded cast, Zaha has often taken it upon himself to produce the goods.
A lethal winger with a ferocious eye for goal, Zaha always has a trick or two up his sleeve to befuddle opponents. His dribbling, pace and trickery make him one of the toughest players to defend against.
A forward who can play anywhere across the frontline, his introduction from the left would free up Aubameyang to play in a No.9 role. Despite Palace struggling, the Ivorian has been in excellent form this season too.
He has spoken about leaving the club on many occasions and Arsenal would be unwise to not act on that factor.