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Arsenal and Liverpool 'target' Wilfried Zaha puts himself in the transfer window with signal to top flight

Crystal Palace winger says he is ready to move and could become one of the big January signings

Jack Pitt-Brooke
Monday 31 December 2012 00:00 GMT
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Wilfried Zaha has given his clearest sign yet that he favours a move to the Premier League on the eve of the opening of the January transfer window.

Crystal Palace's 20-year-old winger is a target for Arsenal among other Premier League clubs, and he said in a weekend interview he is ready to make the step up.

"I've played a lot in the Championship so having that new challenge in the Premier League, where everyone wants to be, would be great," Zaha said. "To be honest, if I had the chance in January and Palace agreed, it's something I'd want.

"I'm not a teenager any more. I've played more than 100 first-team games and this year is crucial to develop my football career. I want to establish myself in the Premier League and in international football."

Despite scoring seven goals on Saturday, Arsenal could be in the market for strikers, with Arsène Wenger unsure of their best front-line. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, though, has recently signed a new deal with Schalke 04, so Arsenal will have to look elsewhere.

Total spending is set to be well below the record amount of £225m, set in 2011, when Fernando Torres made a £50m move from Liverpool to Chelsea and Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll arrived at Anfield for £22.8m and £35m respectively. Last year just £60m changed hands for the whole month.

Internazionale's Wesley Sneijder could also move to the Premier League after admitting he wants to leave Milan. "It is best for everyone that in January I am transferred," said the Dutch midfielder who has interested various English clubs.

Manchester United are leading the Premier League but may look to upgrade at left-back, where they only have Patrice Evra and the underwhelming Alexander Büttner. Ashley Cole and Leighton Baines have both been linked with United but might be easier to sign in the summer.

Frank Lampard, like Cole, is also out of contract this summer and so could be available, with Queen's Park Rangers desperate to add quality and experience as they fight against relegation. Brede Hangeland and Mohamed Diame are also targets.

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