Crystal Palace hopeful of keeping Wilfried Zaha beyond summer – Patrick Vieira

Patrick Vieira has reiterated the importance of Crystal Palace keeping top goalscorer Wilfried Zaha beyond this summer.

The academy graduate struck for the 11th time this season in Monday’s 3-0 win over Arsenal to make it five goals in his last eight matches but his contract at Selhurst Park is approaching its final 12 months.

Zaha’s impressive form since his African Cup of Nations return in February has resulted in links to the Gunners emerging again with the London club also interested in his signature three summers ago when the Ivory Coast international put in a transfer request but subsequently failed to secure a move away.

“He’s been linked after the game? There is no truth about that,” Vieira insisted on talk the club’s top goalscorer could leave for Arsenal this summer.

“Of course (we want to keep him). I believe Wilfried is an important player for the team and for the football club.

“He’s a really good inspiration for the young players that we have. He knows this club better than anybody else and when he is performing like that, you know you only want to keep your best players and he is one of them.”

During his TV interviews after the comprehensive triumph over Arsenal, Zaha talked about the importance of the squad not playing the badge on the shirt and instead believing they can impose their game on anyone.

Vieira added: “I think that is a really strong quote by Wilfried. This is why those kinds of players who have a strong personality and have experience, have a lot to give to the squad, especially to the young players.

“It is about the quality and the determination and how much you are prepared to fight on the pitch as well. I think that is really important for him to come and express that kind of quote. This