Should Arsenal make a summer move for Wilfried Zaha?

Despite Arsenal’s strong start to the Premier League season, it is clear that they are lacking in attacking depth – particularly down the wings.

Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have been the two consistent starters for the Gunners, but the lack of depth has meant that they are starting almost every match. An injury to either one would cause panic to Mikel Arteta’s side: it’s a problem that needs addressing.

If Arsenal are to qualify for the Champions League next season, they will need more cover for their wingers; this is where signing Wilfried Zaha could prove successful.

Should Arsenal make a summer move for Wilfried Zaha?

Zaha, whose contract expires at Crystal Palace in the summer of 2023, has been at the club since 2015 after he returned from a brief stint at Manchester United. Since then, he has proved himself to be the star man of the south London side.

It’s no surprise that Arsenal have been interested before. Former manager Unai Emery pursued the Ivorian before ultimately signing Nicolas Pepe, but this time it is different. Due to his contract expiring next summer, Arsenal will not have to pay a transfer fee for the 30-year-old.

It’s a key aspect of the transfer. Palace had always demanded more than other Premier League clubs were willing to pay, but now the power falls into Zaha’s hands. An Arsenal fan himself, Zaha could push for a move to the Emirates if the Gunners show an interest.

However, despite there being no transfer fee, Arsenal will inevitably be forced to pay more in wages. It seems like a story we see so often with Arsenal: Mesut Ozil, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Willian are all culprits. An ageing player being signed on a huge contract before declining and being forced out of the squad. It’s something Arteta and Edu will both be cautious of.

Zaha has proven himself in the Premier League though. His experience and knowledge of the league could prove vital in helping the Gunners to remain near the top next season. This is something a younger player may not be able to do. His instant impact would be important.

Arsenal’s current crop of youth could do with another more experienced player joining the ranks. They have just signed Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko, both elements of Manchester City’s multi-title winning sides, but it feels that Zaha would offer something different than these two – especially to Saka and Martinelli.

It is a risk that Arteta will need to weigh up. The benefits of signing the Ivorian are clear: key experience, instant impact and better depth, but the negatives may put Arteta off. If they are to break the wage structure to sign another ageing player, it almost feels like déjà vu.