Zaha tells Crystal Palace he wants to leave as Arsenal circle

The attacker made his feelings known to the Palace hierarchy after his return from African Cup Of Nations duties with the Ivory Coast.

Arsenal saw a £40million bid rejected for the 26-year-old earlier this summer with Palace Chairman Steve Parish and manager Roy Hodgson valuing the academy product at double that, they are expected to come back with an improved offer.

Last month Zaha's brother went on record stating the club should allow the former Manchester United man leave the club, and it was Wilfried's desire to move to the Emirates.

"It's my brother's dream though, to play for Arsenal," Judicael told Sky Sports.

"Given all that Wilfried has given to Crystal Palace to help them remain a Premier League club, I hope Palace will be able to see their way to agreeing a deal with Arsenal that allows Wilfried to realise his dream of playing European football for the club he's supported since childhood."

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Speaking after Crystal Palace's 6-2 pre-season defeat at Brentford on Tuesday, Hodgson although admitting he'd like to keep his star-player, gave no assurances that he would be at Selhurst Park at the start of the next campaign, stating that 'every player has his price.'

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

"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 has made 285 appearances for the Eagles over two spells sandwiched between an unsuccessful stint at Old Trafford, taking in a loan at Cardiff City whilst there.