Zaha left hanging by Pepe reports

Arsenal’s reported chase of Lille winger Nicolas Pepe has left Wilfried Zaha of Crystal Palace in a transfer limbo.

The former Manchester United winger, Zaha wanted to move to Arsenal this season and the move had been tipped to happen by both the club and the player. However, Crystal Palace played hardball making the move tough forcing Arsenal to look elsewhere and now it seems Palace has left Zaha in a hard place.

Dharmesh Seth of Sky Sports has analysed the situation.

“We’re being told Arsenal haven’t given up on signing Zaha, but one source claims it’s looking increasingly unlikely given that Lille winger Nicolas Pepe is on his way to the Emirates.”

“Some people have asked how Arsenal can afford Pepe and not Zaha when the two fees seemed quite similar,” he said.

“Palace were unwilling to do what Lille were willing to do; that is to take a reduced payment upfront.

“Given Arsenal’s budget, the only way Zaha could join would be if Arsenal could get big sales. But with nine days to go, you’d have to say it’s going to be very difficult to complete such a big deal.”

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