Arsenal could target Keita Balde over Wilfried Zaha (Image: GETTY)
Arsenal are working with a reduced transfer budget this summer after failing to secure a return to Champions League football in Unai Emery’s debut season.
The Gunners are currently contemplating deals for two defenders: Celtic’s Kieran Tierney and Saint-Etienne’s William Saliba.
Although the emphasis is on bringing in defensive talent, Arsenal have not closed the door on bringing in forwards.
Keita Balde has caught the eye of the Gunners after impressing for Senegal at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.
Balde scored in their opening 2-0 victory against Tanzania, and could be available on a much cheaper deal than Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha.
According to Sky Sports, the 24-year-old is valued at £25m-£28million, whereas Palace value Zaha at £80m.
The forward joined Monaco from Lazio in 2017 but spent last season on loan at Inter.
Balde has scored 44 goals and assisted 47 in 200 combined games for his three senior clubs, and has proved to be a dangerous asset in both Italy and France.
Unai Emery needs to spend Arsenal's transfer budget wisely (Image: GETTY)
Wilfried Zaha wants to leave Crystal Palace for Arsenal this summer (Image: GETTY)
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According to the Daily Mail, Balde's alternative - Zaha, has pleaded with Palace to let him join his boyhood club Arsenal.
In an interview with the same publication earlier this year, the 26-year-old outlined his desire to play Champions League football.
He said in April: “For me to be better, to achieve what I know I am capable of, I have to aim to play at the very highest level, to win trophies.
“I’m blessed to have come this far in my playing career.
Celtic's Kieran Tierney will cost Arsenal around £20million (Image: GETTY)