According to recent reports, Crystal Palace are interested in the signing of Watford winger Ismaila Sarr – should they sell Wilfried Zaha this summer.
The reports by The Sun claim that Palace are lining up a ‘£40 million offer’ for the Watford winger, as the club view the 22-year-old as an ideal replacement for Zaha, who has been touted to leave south London over the transfer window.
Sarr only joined Watford last summer from French side Rennes, in what was a £27 million deal. He has gone on to highly impress for the Hornets, scoring six goals and providing four assists in all competitions.
However, following the club’s relegation to the Championship, it is reported that Sarr does not want to make the step down to the second tier with Watford, and would rather remain in the Premier League or move abroad.
And, with Zaha being strongly linked with a move away from the club, with Arsenal said to be keen on the 27-year-old, Palace are apparently ready to break their current incoming record transfer fee by spending £40 million on the £22.05 million-rated Sarr, as they believe he has the potential to ‘fill the boots’ of Zaha.
TIF Thoughts…
When comparing to the two players, it does indeed appear that Zaha and Sarr are similar types of player.
While Zaha has returned slightly less in terms of goals and assists than Sarr last season – with four goals and three assists – both players are adept at playing in attacking midfield and on the right-wing, as well as sharing traits such as liking to dribble, getting fouled often and making short passes.
Would you like to see Palace make a £40 million move for Sarr this summer?
Yes
No
As such, were Palace indeed to sell Zaha this summer, it would certainly seem as if Sarr would be an apt replacement.