Arsenal told to scrap Pedro Neto deal and sign 67-goal star after journalist’s update – pundit
Noel Whelan has urged Arsenal to sign Wilfried Zaha over Pedro Neto if Mikel Arteta wants to add another wide option late in the window.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 29-year-old could help the Gunners win trophies in the near future after starring for years at Crystal Palace.
The Independent journalist Miguel Delaney claimed (29 August) Arsenal could go in for Zaha in the last days of the window after being priced out of a move for Neto.
The Ivory Coast international, who is also wanted by Chelsea, was left out of the matchday squad for Crystal Palace’s trip to Man City on Saturday (27 August).
Neto, 22, has a strike rate of just 0.12 goals per game in the Premier League – while Zaha’s 67 Premier League goals give him a goal-per-game ratio of 0.23.
Whelan hailed the winger – suggesting he could win games “single-handedly” for Arteta’s side.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “When you’re looking at someone to come in and affect a team straight away, I think Zaha is that person.
“He’d push you a bit further than Neto in the short-term. Only because he’s been doing it for so many years with Crystal Palace.
“He’s been the player who has won them games single-handedly at times.
“This move has been a long time coming, and I’m surprised it hasn’t happened again for him a lot sooner.
“With Neto there is longevity, but if you’re looking for someone to hit the ground running and help you win trophies in the next couple of seasons – Zaha’s your man.”
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