According to TalkSport’s Alex Crook, Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha could still leave the club this summer for a significant fee, amid huge interest in the Ivorian.
Zaha has been the star man for the Eagles so far this season, picking up three goals in three games including a wonderful brace which helped cement their first win of the 2022/23 season in gameweek three.
As a result of this great form, he has attracted interest from a number of clubs this summer, including AS Roma, Arsenal and Chelsea. While the winger is in the last year of his contract at Selhurst Park, the club have yet to agree on a deal with any club over the sale of their talismanic forward.
However, Crook believes that despite the lack of a formal offer so far, Zaha could be on the move, as Chelsea are very interested – with their deal for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang failing to come to fruition as the deadline nears.
Crook told TalkSport, “Right back at the start of August, I said that Chelsea were keeping tabs on Wilfried Zaha, and I think there’s a possibility now that if they can’t get Aubameyang, they may well try and prise him away from Crystal Palace. He’s only got a year left on his contract. I think it will still take a significant fee, but I do think Chelsea will be very active between now and 11 o’clock on Thursday.”
TIF Thoughts on the Zaha rumours…
Losing such an important player is always going to be tough to deal with, especially when it is so close to the deadline. But considering the Zaha appears likely to leave next summer for free as things stand, any significant offer will surely tempt the Eagles brass into an early sale.
Even though the Ivorian has been integral to their side so far this season – unlike previous years under Roy Hodgson – Palace are far better equipped to deal with the player’s departure if it is to happen in the next few days.
They have the likes of Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise and Odsonne Edouard who can help replace their star man, and with recent links to Conor Gallagher hotting up, they could use the money to sign him, or even involve Zaha in a possible deal that will see the England international come back to Selhurst Park, considering the strongest interest appears to be coming from Stamford Bridge.
Losing Zaha will be a bitter pill to swallow for the club and fans, but with his imminent departure coming anyway and their revamped squad under Patrick Vieira, it might be worth taking the chance if they receive a good offer for him.
Will Palace sell Zaha?
Yes
No
