Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is ready to make a formal offer for Crystal Palace winger Wilfred Zaha in January, the Telegraph reports.

The recently capped England international has lit up the Championship so far this season at Selhurst Park and his side are reluctant to sell him while they are in the middle of a promotion battle.

Palace are currently second in the Championship table, one point behind leaders Cardiff and four points clear in an automatic promotion spot ahead of third place Leicester City. They will not be willing to sell their best player in the middle of a season unless an exceptional offer is received.

Zaha has reportedly been the subject of interest for several leading Premier League clubs such as Manchester United, but Arsenal are understood to be in pole position to bring the 20-year-old who could cost around £18million to the Emirates.

The Gunners will hope that Zaha being an Arsenal fan, as well as the clubs track record of giving young players a chance in the first team, will help them land their man eventually.

Theo Walcott’s future still remains unresolved and it is looking increasingly likely that he will leave at some point next year, further enhancing Zaha’s chances of first team opportunities if he was to join.

A deal in the summer does seem more likely though, with Crystal Palace desperate to keep their star player and Wenger not usually one to rush a move and pay over the odds.