Arsenal Identify 24-Year-Old As Much Cheaper Alternative To Wilfried Zaha

Arsenal have recognized African Cup Of Nations star, Keita Balde Diao as an alternative to Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha.

The Gunners are working with a limited transfer budget which is reported to be almost half of Zaha’s £80m asking price. Unai Emery already is preoccupied with the signings of William Saliba from Saint Etienne and Kieran Tierney from Celtic.

With all funds extinguished it would be difficult to make a concrete move for the Eagles winger. Instead, Arsenal are looking into a much cheaper option in Balde Diao.

The 24-year-old signed for AS Monaco in 2017 from Lazio but he spent the previous campaign on loan at Inter Milan. He has registered 44 goals and 44 assists in 200 appearances for all three of these clubs.

Balde Diao is technically also a product of the highly glamorous La Masia academy at Barcelona. He was banished from the youth ranks for playing a practical joke on his teammate and ever since he has bounced around Europe, slowing building a reputation of a solid winger.

He has earned 25 caps for Senegal so far and scored in the opening 2-0 victory against Tanzania. The former Catalonia player is eager to move to the Premier League just like Zaha is over an Arsenal switch.

All rumours of the Gunners chasing Zaha could die down if they sign even one of the two defenders they are currently chasing. Sky Sports claim that Balde Diao could be acquired for as much as £24-25m only.