LONDON - Former Crystal Palace manager Ian Holloway says Arsenal made the wrong choice when he signed Nicolas Pepe, and should move to Wilfried Zaha. Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for the Crystal Palace star in 2019.

Unai Emery told Football London at the time that the 28-year-old star was his top choice in the summer transfer window. Zaha himself has stated that he wants to join the Gunners.

But a move did not take place, although talk of a transfer of between £ 80 million and £ 100 million is being debated and the North London team has instead signed Ivory Coast teammate Nicolas Pepe.

Holloway said Zaha had the same ability as Manchester City stars Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez to win games on his own, and that Arsenal recruited the wrong people when they missed the chance to sign Zaha.

"I would not hesitate if I was in one of these bigger teams. I think Arsenal bought the wrong winger. They brought (Nicolas) Pepe, but I will include Wilf," Holloway was quoted as saying by Football London, Saturday (20 / 3).

Holloway tells about Zaha's role at the club. Zaha, he said, scored two goals to bring the team to the final play-off. He won a penalty to take Palace back to the Premier League.

"He is at a different stage in his life now. I feel like if Sir Alex Ferguson were there he would love Wilf. Because I see him capable of unlimited things, I think," he said.