Chelsea are prepared to step up their interest to sign Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha but would be forced into paying £70 million for the forward, according to the Daily Mail.
The newspaper revealed on their website that Blues boss Maurizio Sarri is due to sit down with Chelsea officials after their Community Shield clash with Manchester City to make their decision on signing the Ivorian.
Palace are said to value Zaha at £70million, with no clubs close to the reported fee needed to purchase the attacker who is currently on £100,000 per-week according to Spotrac.
Chelsea’s current club record transfer, Alvaro Morata, was purchased for £60 million from Real Madrid, according to BBC Sport.
Chelsea’s transfer activity has been limited this summer, with Jorginho and Robert Green being the only arrivals at Stamford Bridge.
Good move for Chelsea?
Zaha’s move to West London should depend on whether current Chelsea attackers head out, with Willian and Eden Hazard both rumoured for summer moves.
If one of the talented wingers decide to leave, Chelsea will be forced to find a strong replacement very quickly with the transfer window shutting in four day’s time.
Zaha was in scintillating form during the end of last season and only looks to be getting better so would certainly be a great addition to the Blues’ squad despite the hefty price tag.
This Is Futbol rating 8/10
Likely to happen?
The price tag is concerning. Although Zaha is a talent, is he worth that much? Crystal Palace seem to be succeeding by putting clubs off their prized forward with an astronomical fee.
Zaha should be seeking a move to a top-six club considering his capabilities when he is in strong form and could claim a first-team place ahead of forwards Olivier Giroud and Alvaro Morata.
Chelsea have already paid big money to sign Jorginho from Napoli and could be put off with making another huge transfer.
This Is Futbol rating 6/10