Arsenal yet to make Zaha bid ‘anywhere near’ valuation as Hodgson shoots down Emery’s bold transfer claims

ROY HODGSON says Arsenal are not even close to coming up with a bid that will tempt Crystal Palace into selling Wilfried Zaha.

The Gunners are desperate to capture the Ivory Coast star to help inspire a challenge for a top-four finish in the Premier League this season.

And boss Unai Emery has claimed the Gunners are close to completing deals for three big-money signings.

But Palace boss Hodgson has poured cold water on the belief Zaha is one of the targets Emery is talking about, saying Arsenal are nowhere near clinching the transfer.
Speaking to Hodgson said: “I don’t think Arsenal have actually made a bid that has come anywhere near our valuation.

“I’m sure the player realises that if someone’s going to take him away from us, he’ll expect clubs to pay the market value.

“Until someone does that, there’s not much to discuss regarding Wilf.”

Arsenal only have limited resources available, and with Palace believing Zaha is worth up to £100million the Gunners are going to have to be creative coming up with a decent bid.

One option discussed has been a cash plus players bid, with the likes of defenders Carl Jenkinson and Calum Chambers thrown in.

That would still have to mean a big cash offer being found to go with the players – but defence is an area of the pitch Palace are desperate for more players in.

They were thumped 6-2 by Barnet in a friendly on Tuesday, and Hodgson admits he needs more defensive cover.

The Palace boss said: “We really don’t have any defenders to speak of. Aaron (Wan-Bissaka) has gone and we’ve got three others injured.”