Crystal Palace are at risk of losing Wilfried Zaha next summer as the forward approaches the end of his contract at Selhurst Park.
The Eagles are determined to keep the club’s talisman with a lucrative new deal, but Zaha faces a decision to make if he is to realise his ambitions of playing European football. The Ivory Coast international will turn 30 this month and this could be his last chance to test himself at a higher level.
There will no doubt be significant interest in the forward should he become available on a free transfer and will be the subject of much interest.
We’ve decided to look at the bookmakers’ favourites to sign Zaha next summer.
Tottenham – 16/1
Tottenham have been credited as admirers in past transfer windows and could return with renewed interest for Zaha.
Antonio Conte strengthened his squad with a number of new additions during the summer window, but has made clear his desire for further investment as he bids to turn Spurs into competitors for major trophies.
Another magical strike.@wilfriedzaha ⚡️#CPFC | #CRYBRE pic.twitter.com/I6ws54UFbE
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) August 30, 2022
Zaha’s ability to operate across the forward line would appeal to the north Londoners, who have switched between a front two and front three this season. Competition is fierce for a place at Spurs, with Richarlison having joined Dejan Kulusevski, Son Heung-min and Harry Kane in north London last summer.
Zaha would provide a different option to that quartet however, and could thrive with the greater freedom he would be provided as part of a forward line with multiple threat, having so often been a marked man for Palace.
Newcastle – 12/1
Newcastle has been mooted as a potential destination for Zaha, as the Magpies’ ambitious project begins to take shape.
Eddie Howe has done a fine job since inheriting a team in the relegation places last season, with Newcastle currently in the Premier League’s top four after an impressive start to the season.
Zaha would perhaps be provided with a greater guarantee of game time at St James’ Park than a ‘Big Six’ side, while Newcastle have the resources to be competitive at the top end of the division in the coming campaigns.
The Palace Counter – ft. @wilfriedzaha ????#CPFC pic.twitter.com/aBDIKBsLmm
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) August 20, 2022
The prospect of Zaha and Allan Saint-Maximin dovetailing on opposite flanks is enough to give Premier League full-backs sleepless nights.
Arsenal – 8/1
Arsenal made a bid to sign Zaha in 2019, but saw their approach rebuffed as Palace demanded an extraordinary sum for their leading light.
The Gunners have since moved in a new direction under Mikel Arteta, with a focus on emerging talent which has been rewarded with a best-ever start to the Premier League season.
Arsenal have an exciting collection of young talent with Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka having starred so far this season. Arteta is understood to want another option in the final third however, and Zaha could provide an experienced figure in the club’s promising forward line.
Arsenal will need increased depth and investment should the club secure a Champions League return this season. On current form, the Gunners are headed back into Europe’s elite competition for the first time since 2016/17.
Chelsea – 6/1
Chelsea are the 6/1 favourites to sign Zaha, with Graham Potter in search of firepower for his side. Chelsea have struggled for goals this season with a number of names underperforming at Stamford Bridge.
The likes of Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech have disappointed in the Premier League, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will turn 34 next summer. Chelsea’s struggle for goals has been emphasised in the underlying statistics, with the west Londoners ranked 12th in the Premier League for expected goals (xG) this season.
Wilf. Winner.
⚡️ @wilfriedzaha ⚡️#CPFC | #CRYWOL pic.twitter.com/hWMMtBNFQh
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) October 18, 2022
Zaha could provide a Premier League proven option for Chelsea, while the cross-capital switch would allow the forward to remain in London. His ability in multiple positions will appeal to Potter, whose managerial success has come as a result of tactical flexibility.
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