Chelsea have emerged as surprise contenders for the signature of Wilfried Zaha, even though the club is banned from registering new players in this transfer window and the one after, The Telegraph reports.
The Telegraph understands that Chelsea are considering making an offer for Zaha which would see him joining the club once their ban has expired – before the start of next season.
Zaha, 26, has attracted much gossip over the summer, with the Telegraph also reporting that Everton are prepared to bid £60million plus Cenk Tosun for the Ivorian, blowing Arsenal’s first bid of £40million (The Times) out of the water.
According to the report from The Telegraph, a deal for Zaha would increase the possibility of Michy Batshuayi rejoining the club.
Chelsea could do with an extra winger. Despite the signing of Christian Pulisic and the rise of Callum Hudson-Odoi, Willian barely a potent threat (he only scored three times in his 32 games last season, as per WhoScored) and Pedro is approaching 32 years of age, so an established Premier League performer could be needed at Stamford Bridge.
Zaha has shown in his time since rejoining Palace that he is deserved of a move to a bigger club.
Since Zaha rejoined Palace in the 2014/15 season, he has recorded the highest number of attempted dribbles (1,296), second-highest amount of completed dribbles and duels won (588, 1299), the fifth-highest amount of touches in the opposition box (598), the second-most fouls won (437) and the most amount of penalties won (15), according to a report from Sky Sports.
A deal for Zaha next summer will work for Palace as it will give them time to plan for his departure in the transfer market.
Chelsea should be the favourite of Palace’s three options right now. Firstly, they are the only English Champions League club interested – though that could definitely change considering that they cannot invest in the next two windows. Secondly, it gives Palace time to sort a replacement. And thirdly – and most importantly – it will allow Zaha to stay at the club for another season without his morale dropping as he will know he has a move away prepared.
Zaha is worth £80million (per the Sun) to Palace as if he leaves then there is a high possibility Palace will lose far more cash than that due to the threat of relegation. That value could decrease if they are given time to properly plan for his departure and shift away from a style of football which is so reliant on him.
Crystal Palace fans, should the club entertain Chelsea’s advances for Zaha? Tell us what you think by commenting below!
