Report: Crystal Palace to reject Arsenal's bid for wantaway Zaha
Crystal Palace will refuse Arsenal's opening bid for Wilfried Zaha despite the winger making it clear he wants to move to north London, according to BBC Sport's David Ornstein.
The Gunners tabled a £40-million offer, Sky Sports' Kaveh Solhekol reports, but Ornstein understands the Eagles will only entertain "huge money" for their prized asset.
The asking price could be a major sticking point for Unai Emery's outfit. Ornstein adds that Arsenal's summer budget is only £45 million, so they will need either Crystal Palace to lower their asking price or an Emirates Stadium fire sale before brokering a deal for the 26-year-old's services.
Zaha's brother Judicael has spoken publicly of the Crystal Palace star's desire to join Arsenal, telling Sky Sports: "Wilfried will always hold Crystal Palace and their fans in the highest regard and all the support they've given means the world to him. It's my brother’s dream though, to play for Arsenal."
He added: "Given all Wilfried has given to 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 realize his dream of playing European football for the club he's supported since childhood."
Zaha was key in guiding Crystal Palace to 12th place in the 2018-19 Premier League season, scoring 10 and assisting five times.