Crystal Palace could look to bring in Callum Hudson-Odoi in a deal that would see Wilfried Zaha go to Stamford Bridge, according to 90min journalist Graeme Bailey.
So far during the 2022/23 Premier League campaign, Palace’s star winger has picked up three goals in their opening three games, most recently bagging a brace in the club’s 3-1 home win this past weekend.
For years, the 29-year-old has garnered interest from top teams like Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, but has failed to make a move from his boyhood club since his disappointing stint at Manchester United.
However, in recent weeks, Zaha has been touted as a possible target for Chelsea, who are looking to bolster their thin attacking depth.
Bailey claims if Palace were to sell, they could bring in Hudson-Odoi – who is yet to feature for the Blues this season and is seemingly surplus to requirements, despite being a huge talent.
Speaking on The PreMatch Podcast, Bailey said: “I think Zaha would be an incredible signing for Chelsea this month. I think he’d be ideal.
“Let’s keep an eye on Zaha, he’s an interesting one. And they could maybe send Hudson-Odoi to Palace on loan. I wouldn’t rule that sort of move out.
“Hudson-Odoi wasn’t even in the first squad, so we know what Thomas Tuchel thinks of him at the moment, and he’s had his chances as well.”
TIF Thoughts on Bailey’s comments…
Any deal that sees Zaha leave south London is going to be a tricky one to take for the club and the fans, especially as he has been their focal point of attack and leader for much of the last decade. The Ivory Coast international has 64 Premier League goals, most of which came for the Eagles in 281 top-flight appearances.
However, the blow of losing their star man could be softened if they are able to bring in a player like Hudson-Odoi, who in recent seasons has been linked with a move to German giants Bayern Munich.
Despite hardly featuring under Thomas Tuchel since he arrived, the 21-year-old has shown his class during his limited game time, as according to FBref, he currently ranks in the 94th percentile for progressive carries and the 92nd for shot-creating actions for his performances in the last 12 months.
However, Bailey claimed that a deal could involve Hudson-Odoi coming in for just a loan, and this feels like it would be harder to convince Palace to sanction Zaha’s sale.
Zaha is their star man and they rely heavily on him to this day, but getting a prospect like Hudson-Odoi on a permanent deal would certainly help their transition.
It feels like the perfect deal if it was to happen. Chelsea get a proven Premier League forward who can bag goals, Palace get a young star who has bags of potential to replace him and Hudson-Odoi will be guaranteed playing time under an exciting manager in an exciting squad.
Should Palace swap Zaha for Hudson-Odoi?Yes
No
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