Of all the young talent in the Championship, Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha must surely take the biscuit. At just 19-years-old, he has earned all kinds of plaudits and has already been earmarked for a massive future. Indeed, it’s believed that a number of Premier League club are already sniffing around and considering lining up a move.
The young British ace grabbed two braces in his last two games and this has seen him linked with the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City.
Whilst I don’t understand why Manchester City would be interested in Zaha, I can see why Arsenal and Liverpool would want to pursue them. City have the kind of budget that allows them to go after fully-formed players. They have no need to sign youngsters like Zaha and to be honest there’s little space for talented youngsters in their squad. Inconsistency is just something that cannot be put up with in Eastlands.
Arsenal and Liverpool, however, have to exercise a little more caution when it comes to money. Neither club can afford to splash £30m on a world-beater, so they have to mark smart purchases. Oftentimes, this means buying (or rearing an Academy Prospect) a young player and crossing their fingers that they come good. At the moment, players like Raheem Sterling, Jonjo Shelvey, Jack Wilshere and Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlain fit this mould. You feel like Zaha could also fit into the same category.
Still, he wouldn’t come cheap. Crystal Palace manager Dougie Freedman has already laughed off idea that he’s worth £11m:
“I know he is worth more than £11m. You’re getting him cheap if you get him for that. Wilfried has dedicated himself to the game and is heading in the right direction. We give young players the chance to play and that’s what he is doing now. It’s a matter of time until he plays in the Premier League and let’s hope that is with Crystal Palace. As we speak right now he’s on a long contract and he’s very happy.” (Source: Daily Mail)
So he would represent a fairly large investment, but given his ability at such a young age, it’s one that could pay some serious dividends.
Arsene Wenger is known for his ability to get the most out of young talent, but I feel he’d be a better fit at Liverpool. The Reds are in dire need of inspiration down the flanks and Zaha could be just the ticket.
Liverpool can no longer compete for the very best, but I’m sure Zaha would jump at the opportunity. The Reds have gone wrong before when it comes to young British talent, but in Zaha’s case, you feel that they may be on to a winner.
What’s your take? Would Zaha make a smart addition at Anfield?
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Why would any Arsenal fan be interested in seeing tallent go anywhere but Arsenal?
From my very close evaluation of what Zaha is, to advance in his carrier, Arsenal is the best destination. Just next door with the likes of Walcott, Alex, Wilshire, Gnary to compete with or learn from quickly. And Wenger is kind of a manager who take risks by dropping young players at a deep end without fear of his job unlike other manager who won’t risk him when a team now winning.
Arsenal is next door whereby he doesn’t need to reallocate at such a young age and London being a global city with no colour discrimination he will be free and enjoy his football at Arsenal a global team. Yeah man.
Wilf will stay at Palace till the big boys have their tongues on the floor and are filling their cheque books out with noughts. Palace don’t need to sell, he’s on a 5 year contract and he’ll take Palace to the Premier league. That is worth a lot more than 11M, offer 20M and we’ll start talking. Arsenal can’t afford him is the truth and only teams prepared to pay silly money can.
As it is we can wait, we are in no rush to sell whatsoever.
When it comes to developing young talents, Wenger is a tested and proven hand. Moreover Arsenal is next door so Zaha would not suffer from change of environment. Arsenal is surely the best place for him.
Arsenal have sold lots of very ordinary players for big money. If they want Wilf who is a very rare and special player perhaps they should pay the price and that price is 20M.
He is better than any player in the Arsenal team and has way more tricks than the ox and walcott. You wouldn’t know but some of us do.
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