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Arsenal boss Unai Emery identifies Wilfried Zaha alternative… but there’s a catch
ARSENAL have reportedly identified an alternative to Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha.
Arsenal will 'never' sign Wilfried Zaha says Mariner
Gunners boss Unai Emery has made signing the Ivory Coast international one of his top priorities this summer as he looks to build a squad capable of challenging for Champions League football.
Arsenal have already tabled an offer for the former Manchester United man, who is currently on Africa Cup of Nations duty.
The north Londoners’ £40million bid for the 26-year-old was immediately rejected by Crystal Palace, who want a minimum of £70million for their star man.
Arsenal are understood to be unable meet Palace’s demand for Zaha and are said to have earmarked Barcelona’s Malcom as a cheaper alternative.
That’s according to The Sun, who claim Everton are also trying lure the Brazilian to the Premier League.
It’s claimed the Merseysiders are close to sealing a £31.5million deal for the former Bordeaux ace, who has failed to hold down a place in the starting XI at the Nou Camp.
Arsenal are said to be optimistic of convincing Barcelona to sell Malcom to them, even though they can’t pay the Spanish champion’s full valuation of the winger up front.
Speculation over Zaha’s future at Palace has so far dominated Ivory Coast’s African Cup of Nations, much to his annoyance.
Arsenal are understood to be unable meet Palace’s demand for Zaha and are said to have earmarked Barcelona’s Malcom as a cheaper alternative
“Whatever happened to speaking facts?" Zaha questioned on Saturday.
“It’s sad and annoying how anyone will just open their mouth and speak on things or situations they know absolutely nothing about.”
One man who hopes to see Zaha wear an Arsenal shirt this season is his brother Judicael, who recently said: "Wilfried will always hold Crystal Palace and their fans in the highest regard and all the support they've given means the world to him.
"It’s my brother’s dream though, to play for Arsenal.
Arsenal: Zaha offer 'disrespectful' to Crystal Palace says pundit
"Given all Wilfried has given to Palace to help them remain a PL club.
“I hope Palace will be able to see their way to agreeing a deal with Arsenal that allows Wilfried to realise his dream of playing European Football for the club he’s supported since childhood."
Zaha will be back in action on Thursday evening when Ivory Coast take on Algeria in the quarter finals of the African Cup of Nations.