Prem side emerge as rivals to Arsenal for Zaha – report

Ian Watson

Everton are reportedly planning a move for Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha.

The Ivory Coast star is wanted by Arsenal but Unai Emery is shopping in the transfer window with a severely restricted budget.

The Gunners are said to have made an offer for Zaha worth significantly less than Palace’s valuation. The Eagles are understood to be looking for a fee in the region of £80million for the 26-year-old academy graduate.

According to the Daily Mail, Everton have been alerted by Arsenal’s hesitation and the Toffees are preparing a bid for Zaha.

The Toffees, bankrolled by owner Farhad Moshiri, are keen to make a statement signing this summer a year after they paid £40million for Richarlison.

Zaha is said to be keen to leave his boyhood club this summer, with a Champions League club his ideal destination. But only Arsenal and Everton have registered a serious interest.

Everton have so far only spent money on Andre Gomes following the former Barcelona midfielder’s loan spell at Goodison Park last term. Jonas Lossl also arrived on a free following the expiry of the goalkeeper’s contract at Huddersfield.