Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew says it is no shock that midfielder James McArthur has been linked with a move to Arsenal.
The 28-year-old has started all bar one of Palace’s Premier League games as the south London side have enjoyed their best start to life in the top division in many years. They currently sit in sixth place, with seven points of London rivals Arsenal.
With Arsene Wenger’s side enduring an injury crisis in midfield that has left them without key names Francis Coquelin and Santi Cazorla the Scottish international was last week reported to be a surprise transfer target for Arsenal in the January transfer window.
However reports of interest from a Champions League side are no bombshell for Pardew, who believes it is no less than his player deserves.
"James McArthur has been outstanding since I've come to Palace," said the boss.
"I always admired him at Wigan Athletic, and it's not a surprise to me he's been linked to a top club.
"He plays international football for Scotland and he plays a very high level of football for us, so it's not a testament to Palace, it's more a testament to James. He's a great team player."
Wenger is considering a move for a defensive midfielder in the winter but Lars Bender, Adrien Rabiot and Nice midfielder Nampalys Mendy are higher on Arsenal’s list of targets.
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