Everton reportedly plot Wilfried Zaha talks this week but he still prefers Arsenal

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Everton are plotting to hold talks with Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha this week, according to Sky Sports News.

They report that the Toffees are set to ramp up their interest in the £130,000-a-week (Spotrac) flier in the coming days.

But they apparently face a roadblock because the Ivorian international prefers a move to Arsenal, but they have not yet matched the £80 million asking price.

It would be a surprise if Everton were to stretch to that figure either, in truth, and it would absolutely shatter their transfer record.

Zaha is apparently looking to take the next step in his career and moving to a side with European aspirations would fit the bill.

But if his heart is set on Arsenal and Everton are likely to haggle on the price then it’s clear there’s a lot to get done before Zaha will be holding up a blue shirt.

It would be a serious statement of intent by Marco Silva if he were to secure a player who is as good as anyone outside the top six, from under the noses of Arsenal who have made no secret of their interest in him.

But if Everton are to go big this summer, it may be wiser to splash out on a centre-forward and not another winger.