Rio Ferdinand feels Arsenal should sign Wilfried Zaha

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand feels Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha would be a good option for Arsenal next season.

The Ivory Coast international is currently in his final year of his Eagles contract and could leave on a free transfer at the end of the campaign.

The Gunners are one of those keeping tabs on him and Ferdinand believes Zaha would provide a good challenge to Saka and Martinelli.

Speaking on his VIBE with FIVE Youtube channel, he said: “He would be good at Arsenal.”

“He would be a good challenge to the two that are there [Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli] and would be a good option.”

Zaha on a free transfer could be enticing for Arsenal

Arsenal have been long-term admirers of the Ivorian star. They were keen on landing him back in 2019 before the hierarchy opted to sign Nicolas Pepe.

Pepe was signed from Lille for £72 million after building his reputation in France, but things did not work out for him. He is now back in Ligue 1 with Nice on loan.

The 27-year-old had a good month of October with four goals and an assist for Nice and the Gunners will be hoping that his form invites permanent transfer bids.

Meanwhile, Zaha should have been signed in the first place ahead of Pepe. He has been a consistent contributor for Palace and has six goals and two assists this season.

Arsenal’s last free transfer was Willian, who had a disastrous one-year stint but this should not deter them from landing Zaha, who is still playing at the peak of his powers.

The 29-year-old is currently on wages of £130,000-a-week at Selhurst Park. He could anticipate close to £200,000 weekly on top of a decent signing-on fee next summer.

This should be affordable for the Gunners particularly if they are back in the Champions League next term.

As things stand, the club are on course to end their six-year wait to qualify for the premier club competition. They are 11 points ahead of fifth-placed Manchester United.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com and Capology.com