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Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson wanted by Crystal Palace as £5million replacement for Man Utd new boy Aaron Wan-Bissaka
CRYSTAL PALACE could turn to Carl Jenkinson as Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s defensive replacement.
Boss Roy Hodgson is looking for a new right-back after Wan-Bissaka completed a £50million move to Manchester United.
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And Hodgson has always been a fan of the Arsenal defender and even gave him his England debut against Sweden in 2012.
Jenkinson, 27, is available for £5m having made just eight appearances for Arsenal last term.
A big Gunners fan, he has made a total of 70 appearances for the club but has previously had loan stints at West Ham and Birmingham – and looks certain to leave the Emirates.
Palace have money to spend but do not want to break the bank - and are desperate to keep hold of Wilfried Zaha, who is the subject of a £40m bid from Arsenal.
SunSport told you Gunners boss Unai Emery has asked the Emirates board to go all out in order to land the 26-year-old forward.
And now Sky Sports say Arsenal have made their first move in order to land their No 1 transfer target - who Palace rate at £80m.
Zaha's brother Judicael said: "Wilfried will always hold Crystal Palace and their fans in the highest regard and all the support they've given means the world to him.
"It's my brother's dream though to play for Arsenal.
'DREAM TO PLAY THERE'
"Given all Wilfried has given to Palace to help them remain a Premier League club, I hope Palace will be able to see their way to agreeing a deal with Arsenal that allows Wilfried to realise his dream of playing European football for the club he's supported since childhood."
Arsenal want to test Palace's resolve but the Eagles are holding out for their valuation because they must give Manchester United 25 per cent of any fee.
After missing out on the Champions League next season, the Gunners have just £45m to spend in the transfer window.
Palace could lose their second key name after Wan-Bissaka joined United on a five-year deal worth £90,000 a week.
SunSport exclusively revealed Zaha had told Palace he wants out of Selhurst Park.
But Arsenal chiefs face a headache with other reports claiming they were left facing the prospect of selling striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to fund the move for Zaha.
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By offering HALF of what Palace want for Ivory Coast star Zaha, it looks like Emery will have to go in with a higher offer second time round.
On top of that, Eagles chairman Steve Parish fears selling Zaha could wreck his plans of finding new would-be owners.
Zaha’s future is tied up with the four-way battle to buy into the South London club - despite him pleading to be allowed to leave.
Arsenal launch £40m transfer bid for Wilfried Zaha as Unai Emery begins his rebuild
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