Wilfried Zaha’s attitude has been ‘first class’ since failed Arsenal and Everton transfers, says new Crystal Palace signing Gary Cahill
New Crystal Palace defender Gary Cahill has praised Wilfried Zaha’s ‘first-class’ attitude and has told talkSPORT he is ‘selfishly glad’ the forward stayed at Selhurst Park this summer.
Zaha told the Eagles he wanted to leave in the transfer window to take his career to the next level, and was strongly linked with a move to Arsenal.
The Ivorian was reportedly keen to make the deal happen but Palace’s valuation of £80m-£100m proved too much for the Gunners and they signed Nicolas Pepe from Lille instead.
He was then targeted by Everton but that move also failed due to Zaha’s price tag and the Merseysiders eventually signed Arsenal winger Alex Iwobi.
Although the wider European transfer window remains open until September 2, it appears Zaha is staying at Selhurst Park until at least January.
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But Cahill, who arrived at the London club this summer in a free transfer from Chelsea, says the Ivorian has got over his disappointment and has been ‘no issue whatsoever’ for the Eagles.
“Zaha has been first class to be honest,” the centre-back told talkSPORT host Jim White on Tuesday.
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“I know how difficult it can be when things like that are circulating in your head and you have to go through these emotions so close to the start of the season.
“I knew it would be tough for him, but once that move didn’t materialise his attitude to training and the way he’s been around the place has been first class.
“For me, there is no issue whatsoever.
“He is obviously a top, top player hence why clubs want him and selfishly I’m glad he’s stayed because he could be the difference between three or four places in the league.
“He’s been great, his attitude has been very, very good and I’m sure you’ll see that in the coming weeks.”