Skip to content

Arsenal nowhere near Wilfried Zaha valuation, says Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson says Arsenal are yet to make a bid 'anywhere near' their valuation of winger Wilfried Zaha

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has said that Arsenal are yet to make a bid "anywhere near Wilfried Zaha's valuation".

Sky Sports News understands the Gunners submitted a £40m bid for Zaha, but Palace rejected the offer.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Take a look at some of Zaha's best goals and skills from the last few seasons in the Premier League

Hodgson was speaking after his side's 6-2 friendly defeat to Barnet, with the majority of the squad made up of U23 players.

He said: "I don't think Arsenal have actually made a bid that has come anywhere near our valuation.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Highlights of Palace's 6-2 pre-season defeat at Barnet on Tuesday night

"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."

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Sources close to Zaha say there are doubts over whether Arsenal can afford to sign him from Palace this summer

Aaron Wan-Bissaka has left Palace for Manchester United this summer, in a deal that could reach up to £50m.

Also See:

Hodgson has wished the England U21 international well in his move to Old Trafford.

"We would've loved to have kept him," Hodgson said.

"But the bottom line is, when Manchester United come calling and they're prepared to pay what the club feel is the market value of the player, then all we can do is wish him well."

Aaron Wan-Bissaka made his Manchester United debut against Perth Glory on Saturday
Image: Aaron Wan-Bissaka left Palace to join Manchester United earlier this window

The Eagles are yet to replace the England U21 international and, along with a defensive injury crisis, meant that they had just three defenders to field on Tuesday evening.

"We've got enormous problems at the back at the moment," he said.

"We really don't have any defenders, to speak of. Aaron's gone and we've got three others injured.

"We will have to do the best we can to make sure we replace [Wan-Bissaka] in some way."

Crystal Palace's next friendly comes against Nottingham Forest on Friday.

Nicholas: It's a true concern

Speaking on the Transfer Talk Podcast, Sky Sports' pundit Charlie Nicholas has his concerns about Arsenal's transfer strategy this summer, and supports fans' recent calls for a restructure.

"I totally support the Arsenal fans' statement. The concern has been growing for 18 months, about the lack of atmosphere, lack of ambition. I think the criticism is fair.

"Now there's a situation whereby there are too many chiefs trying to have a say. Are there too many guys sitting on the committee? It's getting a bit out of control.

"If Arsenal are going after defenders, which they need more than anything else, then go and nail them down, go and make a statement of intent.

"Arsenal have to force the issue. I know times have changed, but Arsenal are finding it damned hard to compete at a big financial level. It doesn't seem as if there is a strategy, and that is a true concern."

Follow the Summer Transfer Window on Sky Sports

Sky Sports News is home to three new shows dedicated to bringing you the very latest news from this summer's transfer market.

Start your day with Good Morning Transfers at 9am as our team of reporters and pundits bring you the latest news and insight. Transfer Talk then follows at midday, delivering the biggest stories that matter to you. And join us at 7pm for the definitive round-up of the day's news with The Transfer Show.

And as well as tuning into Sky Sports News, don't miss a thing with our dedicated Transfer Centre blog.

There's also the Transfer Talk Podcast, the daily UK, Regional and European Paper Talk, plus features across skysports.com and the Sky Sports app.

Sky Sports Fantasy Football is Back
Sky Sports Fantasy Football is Back

FREE TO PLAY: Get your Head in the Game

Around Sky