Transfer News: Chelsea consider late move for Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha. (Image credit: Getty)
According to French outlet Media Foot (h/t football.london), Chelsea are interested in Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha. The Ivory Coast international has one year remaining on his current contract and is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal.
Zaha, a Palace academy graduate, moved to Manchester United in 2013. But he never really got going there and after a couple of seasons, he moved back to Selhurst Park. Since then, he has been an integral part of the Palace team and established himself as a regular starter.
But now he has gained the attention of Chelsea, who are looking to bolster their attacking department ahead of next season. could get him for a good deal given his contractual situation or Palace could potentially lose him for free next season.
The 29-year-old has established himself as one of the best players in the league. A forward capable of playing in any position up front, he would make an ideal signing for Thomas Tuchel. Given the attacking woes of the Blues, he could help in lessening them.
A proven Premier League forward, he has made 429 appearances for Palace and has managed to score 83 goals. A pacey and clinical player, he would help increase the depth and competition in Tuchel’s squad. He can also play in the centre-forward position, something which Chelsea could use.
The lack of a proper number nine is evident when Chelsea play. Tuchel has rotated different attackers in the middle of the front line, but all have failed to find the net consistently. Kai Havertz has had his moments but he doesn’t seem like a proper number nine when he plays.
He was a key man for Patrick Vieira last season and he would naturally want him to stay. However, any reluctance from his side to sign a new deal – if offered – could put clubs on notice. A player of his calibre in the last year of his deal is certainly a tasty prospect for teams.
It remains to be seen if the Eagles consider selling him this summer. They are not above fighting relegation and if things come to that, Zaha could be the difference.
Whether or not Chelsea makes a move for him remains to be seen. The Blues could use someone to spearhead their attack but Zaha’s best bits can be seen on the flank. We are perhaps better off targeting a natural number nine.
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