Arsenal could sign former Man Utd star on a free transfer, he supported the Gunners as a child

Arsenal could sign Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha on a free transfer at the end of the season, according to reports.

Zaha is out of contract at Palace this summer, and Patrick Vieira's side are keen to retain him on fresh, extended terms.

The Ivory Coast international has been one of the Eagles' key players since making his return to the club on a permanent basis from Manchester United in 2015.

He initially moved to the Red Devils in the summer of 2013 following Palace's promotion to the Premier League, and was the final signing made by United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

But he failed to break into the first team on a consistent basis under David Moyes, making just four appearances in all competitions before a loan move to Cardiff, and subsequent return to Selhurst Park from 2014.

He has scored 67 Premier League goals for Palace since his comeback, but his future at the club is under serious doubt.

The Athletic claim that Zaha is committed to staying at the club until the end of the season and has no desire to leave, despite reported interest from Tottenham.

It is added that the 30-year-old will make his decision in the summer over whether to stay at Palace, or move on to pastures new, with no decision made either way at this stage.

Arsenal keen on Zaha

Arsenal have previously been credited with an interest in Zaha, with Mikel Arteta looking to add depth to his forward line.

90min claimed in October that the Spaniard was an 'admirer' of the Palace star, whilst current Champions League clubs are also said to be keen.

But if the Gunners do make a serious effort to bring the Ivory Coast international to the Emirates Stadium, they may already hold a significant advantage.

Zaha once admitted that he was a fan of Arsenal as a child, but had to stop supporting them at a certain stage of his career.

Speaking to Jamie Carragher on the Liverpool's legend's 'The Greatest Game' podcast (via GiveMeSport), he said: "I supported Arsenal when I was growing up. My whole family supported Arsenal, actually. It's only when I moved to Manchester United that I stopped supporting anyone in general.

"I was still rooting for [Arsenal] [in first spell at Palace]. When I went to Manchester United, I feel like it's a whole different mindset over there because you're competing against these teams now, so you can't be much of a fanboy like you were before.

"So yeah, that's when my mentality changed."

If Arsenal do want Zaha on a free, they would have to wait until the end of May, when they could discuss a pre-contract agreement with the Palace forward.