Wilfried Zaha is Arsene Wenger’s top choice to replace Manchester City bound Alexis Sanchez
The contract drama between Sanchez and Arsenal has been rumbling on for some time, but if it culminates in a move in January then Wenger will look to replace the Chilean with Palace's top goal scorer.
WILFRIED ZAHA may be placed on a pedestal at Palace thanks to the way he has helped save them from the drop zone, but that hasn't stopped their London rivals attempting the entice him north of the river.
Arsene Wenger is reportedly on a recruitment drive to replace Alexis Sanchez should his long awaited move to the Ethiad go ahead and Zaha is his number one choice.
The 25-year-old Ivory coast star has attracted attention from Arsenal thanks to his fine form.
But Palace's boss of three months was clearly attempting to dissuade the big clubs from poaching his player when he issued a firm hands off warning in a bid to keep Zaha at Selhurst Park.
However, according to the Daily Star, the winger is Wenger's first choice to replace Alexis Sanchez who looks to be finally on the way out.
Which may leave Hodgson unable to resist a bumper payment from the Gunners where he could use the money to bolster his squad.
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Alexis Sanchez has long been rumoured to be leaving the Emirates and the rumour mill went into overdrive when some of his team mates failed to join in his goal celebrations, against Palace.
The Chilean forward has been involved in a transfer saga for some time and it continues to rumble on with no sign of a contract renewal under Arsene Wenger.
AL-EXIT: Alexis Sanchez's team-mates snub his goal celebration at Crystal Palace
He has continued to provide Arsenal with goals and has found the back of the net seven times in their Premier League campaign, but the saga has led to a divided dressing room, according to Thierry Henry.
Wenger may well opt for Zaha to be his replacement if he wishes to end the contract drama.
Zaha has been instrumental in saving Palace from their rocky start to the season scoring four times to remove them from the drop zone.
But it was the club that he could well be moving to that ruined his side's run of eight Premier League fixtures without a defeat.
Earlier this month Roy Hodgson had said: "We are not too concerned about any rumours which might circulate because he is going nowhere."
But Arsenal may be able to prise him away with their goal of Champions League football and a chunky pay cheque.
