Arsenal target Zaha understands any transfer must be for the good of Palace, says chairman

Martin Macdonald

• 15 Jun 2021 09:40 CDT

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish says star winger Wilfried Zaha will only be granted a move away if a deal is in the best interests of the club.

Zaha remains Palace's best player and has went from strength to strength since returning to the Eagles on a permanent basis from Manchester United, having previously been on loan.

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The Ivory Coast international is coming off his most productive season ever in front of goal as he struck 11 times in the Premier League in 29 starts.

Zaha's current contract runs out in 2023 but he has previously stated a desire to test himself against the elite by performing in the Champions League, something he'll never get while at Palace.

Parish, though recognising Zaha's importance for the club, insists the club will have to come first, whether than be via receiving a suitable transfer fee, or Zaha remaining at the club.

"Obviously lots of talk about transfers and that kind of thing. All I know is when he crosses the white line for Crystal Palace he gives 100%," he told BBC Sport.

"Everything else - what will be will be. We understand his position, and there's a lot of love around the club for Wilfried and everything he's done for us as a football club.

"It's no secret that he'd like to challenge himself, but it's got to to be right for the football club and he understands that as well.

"If those two things collide we'll have to look at it

"Right now we're a few days into the transfer window so it's a bit early to talk about it all, really."

Who is interested in Zaha?

The club most closely linked with a move for Zaha this summer is Arsenal, who are believed to be looking to recruit another winger.

Club legend Emmanuel Petit previously urged the Gunners to do all they can to sign him, saying:

"When I played for Arsenal in the late 90s, we had Marc Overmars, Sylvain Wiltord and Robert Pires – these players were so exciting to watch," the Frenchman said when speaking to Paddy Power.

"Zaha is an unpredictable player, you don’t know what he’s going to do with the ball.

"He’s got a strong character, and sometimes he needs to control of his emotions, but he’s exactly the kind of player Arsenal need. He’d get the fans excited and stimulate his own team-mates too."

As well as Arsenal, Tottenham have been linked with a move too.

Crucially, however, neither of these sides have qualified for next season's Champions League.