Ivorian winger and Crystal Palace star man Wilfried Zaha has disclosed that his failed transfer to Europa league campaigners and North London side Arsenal in the summer transfer window was a big disappointment.
The former Manchester United winger was touted to join the Gunners all through the transfer window. Still, the move failed to materialize after the Unai Emery led side was unable to agree to pay Palace’s £80 million demand for the player.
The last season Europa league finalists had a bid worth £40 Million for the ex-English international rejected and later settled for his international teammate, Nicolas Pepe, who they signed from French Ligue 1 side Lille in a record £72 million fee.
Zaha was also linked to Everton, but was more focused on the Gunner, and he stated that he was distracted in the first few weeks of the 2019/2020 season but had to put everything behind and focus on his current team.
“My head was all over the place, I had to put my head down and play my football,” Zaha stated.
He disclosed that his performance would have been affected, and his progress hindered if he had continued to grumble over the failed transfer.
Irrespective of the events in the summer, he revealed his respect for Crystal Palace in its entirety, including his teammates, fans, and manager. As such, it will be out of place to treat them poorly by complaining.
He also revealed that moving on was the best decision to make if he had to reaffirm his status as a top player. This was done by pushing Palace up to the sixth position as the league head into the international break after eight round of matches
Nevertheless, Zaha is not ruling out a possible transfer out of Selhurst Park later on. Still, for the moment, he is hoping to ensure Crystal Palace finish as high as possible in the English Premier League.
Crystal Palace will face Manchester City in their next EPL fixture. Crystal Palace are priced at 11.60 to win City, while Man City are fancied at 1.25 to emerge victorious.
Written by: Idowu Daniel Ademiju