Thursday 18 July 2019 19:49, UK
Wilfried Zaha has told Crystal Palace he wants to leave the club amid interest from Arsenal, Sky Sports News understands.
The 26-year-old forward made his feelings clear after returning to Palace following his participation in the Ivory Coast's Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
The Eagles rejected a bid of £40m for Zaha from Arsenal earlier this month, but the Gunners are expected to raise their offer in the coming days.
Unai Emery has wanted to sign Zaha since he scored in Palace's 3-2 win at the Emirates in April and he is the Gunners' number one transfer target this summer.
However, Eagles boss Roy Hodgson made it clear earlier this week a deal with Arsenal for Zaha is a long way off, saying: "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."
Zaha is not believed to have any personal issues with Hodgson or Palace, but is keen to prove himself at one of Europe's biggest clubs following his disappointing spell with Manchester United between 2013 and 2015.
Arsenal is Zaha's preferred destination, but he will still be keen to move to a bigger club even if a deal with the north London side cannot be agreed.
Arsenal are in the midst of a turbulent summer, with captain Laurent Koscielny refusing to travel on the club's pre-season tour to the USA and 14 supporter groups writing an open letter criticising owner Stan Kroenke.
The Gunners have only made one signing this summer - young winger Gabriel Martinelli from Brazilian club Ituano - but appear close to making two more.
Sky Sports News understands they are waiting for Zinedine Zidane to approve a loan deal for Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos, while they are close to agreeing a deal for teenage Saint-Etienne defender William Saliba.
Sky Sports brings you the very latest news from this summer's transfer market with three new shows.
Start your day with Good Morning Transfers at 9am as our team of reporters bring you the latest news and insight. Transfer Talk then follows at midday delivering analysis of the biggest stories. Then join us at 7pm for the definitive round up of the day's news with The Transfer Show.
As well as tuning into Sky Sports News, don't miss a thing with our dedicated Transfer Centre blog.
