---
title: "Crystal Palace: Noel Whelan reacts to Wilfried Zaha rumour"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/crystal-palace-noel-whelan-reacts-to-wilfried-zaha-rumour/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Charlie Smith"
section: "Crystal Palace News"
published: "2022-11-23T09:25:52Z"
modified: "2022-11-23T09:25:52Z"
---

# Crystal Palace: Noel Whelan reacts to Wilfried Zaha rumour

**Pundit Noel Whelan doesn’t think [Crystal Palace](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/crystal-palace-news/) forward Wilfried Zaha will join Aston Villa following rumours of a possible move.**

### The Lowdown: Villa speculation

Zaha is out of contract at Selhurst Park at the end of the current campaign and is not close to signing an extension despite being [verbally offered](https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/zaha-contract-offer-crystal-palace-b1036955.html) a pay rise.

The 30-year-old has been [linked](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-transfer-emery-zaha-25557220) with a move to Aston Villa in recent days as a result, with Villa Park thought to be the most likely next destination for the Ivorian at this moment in time.

### The Latest: Whelan’s comments

Whelan, who previously contributed for the [BBC](https://icdb.tv/stats/4247/Noel-Whelan), was talking to [Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/pundit-cant-believe-wilfried-zaha-could-join-aston-villa-as-verbal-offer-submitted/) regarding Zaha and a potential move to Villa Park, but doesn’t believe a move will materialise.

*“I think realistically, you can only see him going to a London club.*

*“I don’t think he wants to leave the capital unless it’s for Man City. We saw him go to Man United, and he wasn’t the same player.*

*“If he’s going to finish his career and finish it on a high – you’re looking at Arsenal, Chelsea, or Tottenham.*

*“I don’t see Aston Villa as a potential.*

*“He’ll want to challenge for league titles, cups, and play in the Champions League. That’s not something that Villa can offer.”*

\[freshpress-quiz id=”411069″\]

### The Verdict: True…

Whelan makes some valid points regarding a possible move to the Midlands, where you could argue it would be a sideward step.

Unai Emery’s side won’t be able to offer European football and look unlikely to offer it next season despite a positive start under the Spaniard.

Therefore, if Zaha wants to take his game to the next level, perhaps it would benefit him more by joining a club in the Champions League or Europa League, whether that be in England or abroad, with his situation still one to watch closely heading into 2023.