Arsenal blow as Crystal Palace offer Wilfried Zaha new long-term contract to finally end transfer speculation

CRYSTAL PALACE have offered Wilfried Zaha a new contract — with their star man in the final year of his deal.

But it is not clear if the forward will sign the deal because he will be able to speak to foreign clubs about a free transfer from January.

Palace have held talks with Zaha’s camp for over a year as they try to keep their talisman at Selhurst Park.

The Ivory Coast international, 29, penned a five-year deal in August 2018.

And the Eagles have long rebuffed any interest in the ex-Manchester United man.

Chelsea considered a late move during this summer.

Meanwhile, approaches from Arsenal and Everton have been rejected in previous windows.

Zaha has never hidden his desire to play Champions League football during his career.

But Palace chairman Steve Parish has always held firm over his value to the club.

In 2019, Zaha said: “For me to be better, to achieve what I know I am capable of, I have to aim to play at the very highest level, to win trophies.

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“I’m blessed to have come this far in my playing career. But I feel like there’s so much more I have to offer.”

A move as a free agent could offer Zaha his dream of performing on Europe’s biggest stage.

However, the Eagles academy graduate is back to his best under Patrick Vieira and the manager will be desperate to keep him.

Zaha has four goals in five league games so far this season, including the opening goal at Liverpool in a 1-1 draw.