Arsenal and Chelsea on January transfer battle stand-by as Premier League star stalls over £130k p/w deal

It may only be the start of November but there are just a handful of matches between now and the January transfer window for Premier League clubs to navigate.

It could be a pivotal window for Arsenal who will have the chance to add more strength and depth in a bid to bolster their ranks for their first serious title challenge in years while Graham Potter has the opportunity to put his mark on the Chelsea first team for the first time since taking over at Stamford Bridge. Meanwhile, across London, there is one notable star who could yet be at the centre of a transfer battle between the Gunners and the Blues if he is unable to agree terms on a new deal at Crystal Palace.

Per the Daily Mail, Wilfred Zaha is of interest to both clubs but has a ‘substantial verbal offer’ on the table from the Eagles. That deal is said to be worth an impressive £130,000 per month but if the Eagles are unable to tie their star winger down to a new contract then they risk losing him on a free at the end of the season. The 29-year old’s current deal expires next summer and he will be free to speak to foreign clubs and even agree pre-contract deals in January as things stand.

The former Manchester United man has six goals and one assist in 11 appearances this season and was thought to be a transfer target of Arsenal and Chelsea last summer. If Palace are unable to secure him on a new deal then both clubs are apparently prepared to reignite their interest although it’s unclear if that would involve coming in with a financial offer to lure him away from Selhurst Park in January or to snap him up on a free at the end of the campaign. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are also credited with having previously expressed an interest in landing the winger.

The Nigerian international is currently in his ninth season of his second spell at Crystal Palace. In that time he has made almost 300 appearances for the club and has netted 70 goals in all competitions.