“Out of this world”- Carragher sends Chelsea reminder about £25m transfer target

Jamie Carragher labels Wilfried Zaha finishing as “out of this world” in a transfer reminder to Chelsea

According to Football.London, as spoken in the latest Monday Night Football show, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has labelled the finishing and coolness of Wilfried Zaha as “out of this world” after the Ivory Coast international ran past the Liverpool defence and scored a lovely goal for Crystal Palace at Anfield.

Zaha has been linked with a move to Chelsea during this summer transfer window, but nothing has happened in that direction as yet. The Blues wanted to sign Everton winger Anthony Gordon, but one of their bids worth £40m has already been rejected.

Everton would hold out for something in the region of £50m before they think of selling one of their bright young stars. Now, there are minor doubts about whether Chelsea would meet that demand or stay away from this transfer.

Speaking about Zaha, here is Carragher:

I think Van Dijk can sprint across and get into Zaha’s eyeline but the finish is absolutely out of this world against one of the best goalkeepers in world football. That is always going to be a problem that channel with pace.

Zaha’s price tag is quoted to be around £25m, almost half of what Everton would hold out for Gordon. This is according to Chelsea transfer expert Simon Phillips, who says (h/t Football.London):

“Zaha’s price tag still £25m and he would love the move to Chelsea. We have had positive contact with Crystal Palace for Zaha and a deal is possible.”

Of course, there is an eight-year gap between the two players, with the former being 29 and the latter 21. So, if Chelsea are looking for a long-term option, there is the option to pay the money required to get the Everton youngster.

However, it would make sense to sign someone of the quality and experience of Zaha, who is tried and tested in the Premier League. The 29-year-old has repeatedly been the top marksman for Crystal Palace who rely a lot on his goals and assists each season.

If anything, the performance against Liverpool at Anfield was an example and an audition of how good he is. So, if Chelsea have a choice to pick between Zaha and Gordon, the former being half the price of the latter, the club would be wise to go with the former.

More Chelsea News:

• Transfer News: Cesare Casadei has agreed to personal terms with Chelsea
• Chelsea are set to offer a new contract with improved terms to Armando Broja
• Trevoh Chalobah garners transfer interest from several clubs with Chelsea role uncertain

At 29, Zaha still has three to four years of top-level football left in him. He still looks hungry and full of pace to terrorise defences. The Blues should use that and prize one of the top assets in the league on a relatively cheap buck.