BBC Sport pundit David Ornstein has said that he would be surprised, if Arsenal are able to land the signature of Wilfried Zaha from Crystal Palace this summer. The Ivorian has been earmarked as the club’s prime target for the transfer window but so far, they have failed with an opening offer worth £40m for the 26-year-old.
Speaking to Arseblog, Ornstein told that the club are not close to making any new signings and he would be staggered, should Zaha head to the Emirates this summer. He added that Malcom has been earmarked as the alternative from Barcelona and a deal could work out with Gunners chief Raul Sanllehi holding a good association with the Blaugrana.
“Nothing is imminent,” Ornstein told Arseblog. “I’d be staggered if the Zaha transfer comes to fruition. In that position, they’ll have to look for an alternative option. They clearly want to bring in someone who can provide width. I did see Malcom links. I don’t know about the current links but that is a transfer they’ve pursued in the past. That was a Sanllehi-led transfer so it wouldn’t be a surprise. “
Despite the Gunners are continuing the ongoing pursuit of Zaha and it has been suggested that they may propose a part-exchange deal rather than paying the Eagles’ £80m price tag. That does not appear an option for the Eagles with the quality of players likely to be offered and it remains to be seen whether they are willing to negotiate a lesser sum with Zaha seemingly eager to join the Gunners.
Elsewhere, the north London club are facing a potential defensive crisis for the summer with Laurent Koscielny looking to force through a departure from the club. The 33-year-old has been demanding a release from the contract, which expires next summer, but so far, the club have not obliged to the request. As such, Koscielny has refused to travel with the team for the pre-season tour of the United States.