According to The Sun, Arsenal are ready to offer the trio of Calum Chambers, Carl Jenkinson and Mohamed Elneny plus £40 million for the services of Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha. The ex-Manchester United prodigy is considered as one of Unai Emery’s top targets in the ongoing summer transfer window. But, the Gunners’ lack of financial firepower has prevented them from meeting Palace’s reported £100 million valuation for a player.
As a result, they have hatched this transfer plan to lure Palace into selling their prized asset, which could turn out to be a masterstroke by Emery.
Arsenal will have a glorious opportunity of offloading these three
It’s probably needless to say that none of these three players are expected to have any future at Arsenal in the coming years.
Elneny, in particular, hasn’t featured in over 1,000 minutes of league football in any of his four seasons at Arsenal. And his importance in midfield has gradually decreased, with the Egyptian making only eight appearances in the recently concluded 2018/19 campaign.
As for Chambers, he spent last season on loan at Fulham. The 24-year-old endured a difficult spell at Craven Cottage as the Cottagers were ultimately relegated. He was, however, a first-team regular, notably featuring in 31 league games. But, it is unlikely he will be able to make a breakthrough in the Arsenal defence next season, and a move away from the Emirates makes sense as the former Southampton prodigy seeks to revive his career.
Another player who has struggled at Arsenal in recent years is Jenkinson. The right-back has been a part of the Gunners’ setup since 2011. But much like the other two players in this list, he has struggled to make a breakthrough into the starting lineup. He notably made only three appearances in the league last term, and despite Arsenal’s right-back problems, Jenkinson is not included in the plans for Emery next season.
Zaha could be an excellent signing even if Arsenal pay the additional £40 million
The biggest reason as to why Arsenal could come out as the clear winners in this deal is that they will be able to secure the services of Zaha. The Ivorian winger could be the answer to the club’s attacking problems, especially in the wide-department.
Indeed, the 26-year-old is an experienced Premier League attacker, who has also proven himself time and time again at Crystal Palace. He could be an upgrade over Alex Iwobi in the wide-attacking role. And while his potential addition to the club will consume Arsenal’s reported transfer kitty of £40 million, the departures of the three unwanted players will the club cut down on wages, ultimately boosting their financial situation.
Hence, this transfer plan is indeed a masterstroke by Emery, even though it remains to be seen whether or not the Eagles accept these terms.
