Arsenal have rekindled their interest in signing Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha. The 20-year-old winger has been in good form for the Championship club this season, with five goals and four assists from 25 starts.

Wilfried Zaha
Wilfried Zaha has been strongly linked with a move to Manchester United. Reuters

The Independent's report states the north London club's chief scout, Steve Rowley, continues to scout the youngster. Earlier reports suggested the Gunners' Premier League rivals, Manchester United, were close to confirming his capture.

Arsenal's London rivals, Chelsea and Tottenham, were also believed to have been interested but it seems the race for Zaha now comes down to one between Emirates and Old Trafford, with the latter out in front. It is believed Sir Alex Ferguson is extremely keen on Zaha and is willing to allow the youngster to remain on loan at Selhurst Park, for the rest of the season, to facilitate his transfer.

The Eagles are third in the Championship, with 47 points from 26 games. And with the club looking good for a return to the Premier League next season, coach Ian Holloway will be reluctant to let key players leave... particularly for below their market value.

Arsenal's interest in the player, if true, is likely to mean protracted negotiations for the remainder of the month, if a deal is to be struck in January.

Allardyce Looking to Help Striker

Sam Allardyce
Sam Allardyce Reuters

Meanwhile, West Ham manager Sam Allardyce believes he can help on-loan striker Marouane Chamakh regain his form. The Moroccan international joined Upton Park, from Arsenal, on loan till the end of the season.

"We'll try and get him to be that goal threat he was at Bordeaux, He's been very disappointed with his lack of involvement at Arsenal, certainly for the last year, and he's itching and hungry to get back and show what he can do. We'll give him the platform and hopefully he grabs the chance with both hands and reproduces his Bordeaux performances," Allardyce said.

"He won the league with them and played well enough for a team as big as Arsenal to want to take him. You need to provide the service he needs. He's exceptionally good in the air and at getting between defenders from crosses," he added.

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