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Crystal Palace icon Neil Shipperley does not envisage a Marko Arnautovic-esque saga from unfolding if Wilfried Zaha ends up staying at Selhurst Park this summer.

What did he say?

Zaha has been linked with a move away from Palace all summer, with Arsenal and Everton appearing especially interested.

And it has now been reported that the Ivory Coast international handed in a transfer request with just over 24 hours to go before the deadline passes.

A similar situation unfolded at West Ham in January, albeit with much more time remaining before the deadline, as Arnautovic's agent publicly slated the Hammers for not allowing the Austrian to leave.

A contract was eventually signed but the mood remained sour. The former Stoke City star's form considerably declined and, after the saga had blown over, he didn't notch a single Premier League goal until the penultimate game of the season.

While speaking to Football Fancast, Shipperley suggested that Zaha's loyalty to the club will ensure there is no glaring dip in the standard of his performances next season. That is, of course, if he doesn't leave before the deadline.

“No, I can’t see that with Wilf. I think he’s got too much respect for the club to do that, so I can’t see that happening no.”

The 44-year-old also expressed his frustration with players who lose interest and let standards slip when they don't get their own way in the transfer market.

"I find it hard to get my head around.

"It’s ridiculous. You’ve signed a deal at the club. I’m a bit old-fashioned but just get on with it, that’s all the fans want."

A part of modern football

Despite his reported desire to move on, time is running out for Zaha and the various parties involved to strike a deal.

The rising number of transfer requests in the Premier League represents a symptom of increased player power.

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From a footballer's point of view they simply want to earn the best possible financial deal or most prestigious opportunity, but the Arnautovic saga underlined how detrimental it can be to deprive a player of the move they crave.

In Zaha's case, however, his emotional link with Palace suggests his performances will not be spoilt by events that have unfolded during the transfer window.

That's what the fans will be hoping - but in this day and age nothing can be ruled out.

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