Arsenal fans will love Zaha’s reaction to Nicolas Pepe's transfer on Instagram

Wilfried Zaha was Arsenal's top target before they decided to pursue a move for Ivory Coast team-mate Nicolas Pepe instead [courtesy]

Wilfried Zaha was tipped to be Arsenal's top target this summer before they opted to sign fellow Ivory Coast winger Nicolas Pepe.

The Gunners confirmed the club-record £72m signing of Pepe on Thursday evening in a move which looks likely to end Zaha's chances of completing a move to the Emirates.

Despite his own chances of a switch to the Emirates being dented, Zaha was seen to "like" the Premier League's Instagram post confirming Pepe as an Arsenal player.

The move was spotted by eagle-eyed fans, although he seemingly retracted his "like" in the aftermath as he considers what his future holds.

Zaha is believed to have told Crystal Palace he is keen to leave for a fresh challenge, although the Eagles are holding out for a big fee.

Everton have had a bid for the winger rejected whilst Napoli are now understood to have entered the race after missing out on Pepe.

Whilst some reports have suggested Arsenal could still pursue Zaha that appears unlikely after they splashed the cash on Pepe in a deal which will see them pay in instalments in order to make it happen.

Sky Sports have reported Napoli are willing to pay Palace £54.6m to land Zaha, although Everton saw a bid of a similar amount rejected.

The Selhurst Park outfit want around £80m for their star man having already lost Aaron Wan-Bissaka this summer.

The fact they will owe Manchester United 20% of the fee as part of a sell-on clause is driving up their price.

Zaha was believed to be desperate to join boyhood club Arsenal, but their initial £40m bid was rejected whilst Lille's flexibility over the structure of a deal for Pepe saw them turn their attentions to his international team-mate instead.