---
title: "Pardew discusses Arsenal’s interest in Palace midfielder"
canonical: "https://readcrystalpalace.com/2015/12/10/pardew-discusses-arsenals-interest-palace-midfielder/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ste Hoare"
section: "Crystal Palace News"
published: "2015-12-10T12:23:07Z"
modified: "2015-12-10T12:58:13Z"
---

# Pardew discusses Arsenal’s interest in Palace midfielder

Crystal Palace manager said that it comes as no surprise to him that midfielder James McArthur has been linked with a move to Arsenal.

The 28-year-old has been a key member of Pardew’s side this season, having featured in every Premier League game so far. He managed to get his first goals of the campaign against Newcastle a few weeks back, bagging the first and last goals in the 5-1 win.

Arsenal are in the market for a holding midfielder as Mikel Arteta, Santi Cazorla, Francis Coquelin and Jack Wilshere are all currently out as the Gunners’ injury list seems to grow longer every week.

![Ian Walton/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readcrystalpalace.com/readcrystalpalace/sites/17/2015/12/4990436261.jpg)

Pardew, speaking to [Mark Ritson of the Croydon Advertiser](https://www.croydonadvertiser.co.uk/Palace-boss-responds-Arsenal-link-midfield-ace/story-28330125-detail/story.html), praised his midfielder and said that he isn’t shocked that he’s being linked with a move to a Champions League side.

> James McArthur has been outstanding since I’ve come to Palace. I always admired him at Wigan Athletic, and it’s not a surprise to me he’s been linked to a top club.

Pardew also said that it is the player himself, and not the manager or the club, that deserve the credit for McArthur’s performances.

> 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.