Football

Mikel Arteta gives opinion on Arsenal summer transfer target Wilfried Zaha


Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has heaped praise on Gunners summer transfer target Wilfried Zaha ahead of facing him this weekend.

Crystal Palace star Zaha was strongly linked with a move the Emirates Stadium in what proved to be Unai Emery’s final summer in charge of the club, with his brother even releasing a statement in an attempt to force through a move .

“Wilfried will always hold Crystal Palace and their fans in the highest regard and all the support they have given means the world to him. It is my brother’s dream, though, to play for Arsenal ,” said Judicael Zaha in July.

“Given all that Wilfried has given to Crystal Palace to help them remain a Premier League club, I hope Palace will be able to see their way to agreeing a deal with Arsenal that allows Wilfried to realise his dream of playing European football for the club he has supported since childhood.”

Zaha was strongly linked with the Gunners in the summer

However Arsenal opted to sign Zaha’s Ivory Coast international teammate Nicolas Pepe instead, and Zaha stayed at Selhurst Park.

Having replaced the sacked Emery last month, it is Arteta’s job to try and stop Zaha when he takes his Arsenal side to Palace this weekend, and his admiration for the attacker is obvious.

“He’s one of the things to be aware of,” Arteta told reporters on Thursday.

“We know Wilf, the type of talent he is, and when he gets isolated in one-vs-one situations what he can do.

Arteta will come face-to-face with Zaha on Saturday

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“Of course he will be part of the game-plan.

“I think he’s a terrific player.

“I think the impact he’s had in the last few years in the Premier League has been phenomenal.

“His ability to create chances on his own is unique.”

Palace’s clash with Arsenal kicks off at 12.30pm on Saturday.





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