It seems that Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha is a man in demand this summer. However, this summer seems no different to last summer, as Zaha attracted interest from Tottenham. The Ivory Coast international now seems to be at the centre of a late window bidding war between Spurs and London rivals Chelsea, as both clubs attempt to strengthen their squads after little transfer activity this summer.
Reportedly wants to leave Palace
Reportedly, Zaha wants to leave Selhurst Park this summer. The forward has rejected a contract extension with the Eagles, despite being the team’s talisman for the last few years.
The 25-year-old has rebuilt his career at Selhurst Park after a disastrous spell at Manchester United resulted in a return to the London club. The forward seems to suit the club and he is an obviously talented player.
He needs to be careful what he wishes for, though after his previous experience at a more high-profile club than the Eagles. Granted he has developed majorly since his spell at United, courtesy of the faith Palace has shown in him.
Maybe he feels the time is right for him to test himself at a higher level, or at a bigger club. At a bigger club, he will not get the same level of adulation as at Palace. He could become a small fish in a big pond once again, just as he was at Old Trafford.
Chelsea and Tottenham battling for Zaha
According to the Metro, Chelsea have already had a bid of around £30million plus midfielder Danny Drinkwater turned down for Zaha. The same report suggests that Spurs are willing to pay £45million for the forward, as well as including a big sell-on clause.
Zaha is currently odds of 4/1 to be a Tottenham player when the summer transfer window shuts, while he is 5/1 to be a Chelsea player. It seems a move to north London is slightly more likely.
There is a question mark over whether Zaha would get in either team’s starting line-ups if everybody were fully fit. The 25-year-old is talented, but both London clubs have talented players already at their clubs that play in the same roles as the forward.
Zaha could go from being a star player for a Premier League team to an expensive bench warmer in the new season.
Neither club has been exactly active in the transfer market this summer. Chelsea’s only signing so far remains former Napoli playmaker Jorginho, while Tottenham have failed to bring any new players in.
Spurs are also reported to be interested in signing Bournemouth’s central midfielder Lewis Cook and Aston Villa winger Jack Grealish. However, Zaha would be a far more high profile signing than the pair.
Zaha exit would be terrible for Crystal Palace
Zaha is the Eagles most influential player. Last season he scored nine times and produced five assists in 29 Premier League appearances for Palace. The London club are not exactly blessed with many matchwinners in their squad.
In fact, the Eagles looked a different player when Zaha was on the pitch last season. Without him, they struggled to create and score goals. Their new signings so far this summer of goalkeeper Vicente Guaita and midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate are not going to remedy that.
Talk of moves for Swansea’s Jordan Ayew and Liverpool’s Danny Ings will not excite Eagles fans, especially if they lost their star man this summer. Both are decent players, but they are not on the same level as the Ivory Coast international when in form.
With just seven days of the summer transfer window remaining, it seems that Zaha leaving the Eagles is a very real possibility. If he does leave, then it could be terrible news for everybody associated with the London club.
Where will Wilfried Zaha be plying his trade in season 2018/19?
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