Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has sent a defiant message to Arsenal over their pursuit of Eagles winger Wilfried Zaha.
It is reported that the Gunners made an opening bid of £40m for the Ivory Coast international, which was instantly rejected and falls well below Crystal Palaces' valuation of the player, which is thought to be at least double that figure.
However, comments from the player's brother Judicael, revealed that Zaha is desperate for a summer move to the Arsenal - the team he supported as a boy.
Zaha was one of the most influential players outside of the top six last season, scoring 10 goals ans providing the same number of assists in 32 league appearances.
The 26-year-old has now returned from international duty after helping his country to the quarter-final of the African Cup of Nations, although he may have a bit of time off before returning to pre-season training with his Palace teammates.
Speaking after the Eagles' latest pre-season game, manager Roy Hodgson reiterated the club's stance on the sale of their player.
"I don't think Arsenal have actually made a bid that has come anywhere near our valuation," he told Sky Sports. I'm sure the player realises that if someone's going to take him, he'll expect clubs to pay the market value.
"Until someone does that, there's not much to discuss."
If Arsenal wish to sign Zaha, they would have to change their summer plans and smash their transfer budget that has been set for the window. It is believed that Unai Emery has been given just £45m to spend on new players during the window following the club's failure to qualify for the Champions League last season.
