I don’t tend to put much stock into transfer rumours, but given that this story is being reported by Jeremy Wilson, one of the more reliable journos out there, I’d say that it’s worth discussing.
He claims that Arsene Wenger has asked Pat Rice, Arsenal’s former assistant manager to personally scout Crystal Palace starlet Wilfried Zaha. It’s nice that Arsene has managed to find a retirement role for his old friend. (Source: The Telegraph)
Whilst no formal bid has been made, Theo Walcott’s contract situation seems to add a veneer of reality to the story. Walcott has yet to agree new terms with Arsenal and with his contract up next summer, he could well be on the way to a new club.
Indeed, Arsene Wenger may be keen to sell Theo this January, to ensure the club makes some money from his sale rather than risk losing him for free. Zaha would represent a great replacement.
His ex-manager, Dougie Freedman has been full of praise for the 19-year-old youngster. Speaking to the Press he said:
“He is certainly a young man who has got huge potential and hopefully he can fulfil that. I think this is the place to fulfil it because he is expressing his talent week in, week out in front of a very good crowd.”
Zaha himself, is not unlike Arsenal’s own starlet Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlain. He’s smart, pacey and direct. He loves to take his man on, speed past them, and send in a telling cross. He’s difficult to dispossess, hard for opponents to read and has an eye for goal. At just 19-years-old, the young Brit has a lot to his game.
Some Arsenal fans may feel that Theo’s exit would necessitate the signing of a more experienced player. Whilst I understand that argument, it’s hard to argue against the acquisition of a talent like Zaha.
Like the Ox, he’s due for a big future with England and a Premier League club. Which Premier League club remains to be seen. He won’t hang around at Palace forever. Whilst a club like Liverpool has a bigger need, Arsenal have the reputation for snapping up young talent.
Arsene Wenger knows how to get the best out of young charges and would surely help Zaha to thrive in the Premier League. Would that be the best thing for the youngster’s career?
And wouldn’t he help Arsenal re-establish themselves over the next two-three years?
What’s your take? Would Wilfried Zaha be a smart addition at the Emirates?
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