Arsenal and Wilfried Zaha: At what point do you say ‘no’?

Arsenal are chasing the £80 million-rated Wilfried Zaha. Obviously, no one would rightfully pay that, but how far would you be willing to go to sign the Crystal Palace winger?

It feels as though the saga of the summer — and there almost always is one — has made itself known: Arsenal’s pursuit of Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha.

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It has all the hallmarks of a long and tenuous saga: a wantaway star; a club that does not want to sell; a buying club that desperately wants the player but does not have the money; strained relationships; an initial offer that is worth half of the seller’s evaluation. This one really could run and run.

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The reason it will run and run is the price. Arsenal and Palace are miles away in their initial discussions, the Gunners’ first offer valued at £40 million, Palace’s valuation at a reported £80 million. What will happen over the next few weeks is the clubs will undergo numerous discussions regarding a potential deal and they will gradually move closer together on price, one more likely to compromise than the other depending on a variety of other factors, Zaha’s character and behaviour chief among them.

From an Arsenal perspective, then, they know that they will not be signing for Zaha. Similarly, they also understand that they do not want to sign Zaha for £80 million — I am not sure how many would. But there is a middle ground in there somewhere, a price that is right at the top of the palatable range but one that they would be willing to stomach, just. But what is that price?

For some, Zaha is worth no more than the £40 million that was first offered. He has only scored ten league goals or more once in his career. He has never been prolific, failed in his last move to a big club to Manchester United, and shines in a middling team that feeds him the ball with every opportunity.

But for others, and I would include myself in this group, there is an untapped potential and outrageous ability that is worth paying a premium on. But how much of a premium? £50 million? £60 million? £70 million?

It is difficult to say with any certainty. I feel that a fair price for Zaha would be in the £60 million range. I might be tempted to stretch that to £65 or even £70 million if I was getting desperate, but then, I am far higher on his quality and potential impact than many others.

Nevertheless, this is the crucial question that Unai Emery and Raul Sanllehi must be able to answer. Just how far are they willing to go, because, in the end, this will determine whether Zaha is plying his trade at the Emirates next season or not.