Crystal Palace talisman Wilfried Zaha is among a number of wingers shortlisted by Chelsea and the Blues could move for the former Manchester United star in the summer.
According to Simon Phillips, Wilfried Zaha is on Chelsea’s shortlist as the Blues plan to reinforce their wing options for the upcoming season. The former Manchester United star is being targeted by a host of top Premier League clubs as Crystal Palace attempt to tie the Ivory Coast international down to a new contract.
I’ve been told that Chelsea have Wilfried Zaha on their shortlist of wingers this summer. Palace currently trying to tie him down to a new deal with them. pic.twitter.com/SJkaneHWKa
— Simon Phillips (@SiPhillipsSport) May 31, 2018
Zaha has successfully resurrected his footballing career following a disastrous spell at Manchester United. His return to Crystal Palace has not only seen him revive his own career but also save the Eagles from relegation for two seasons in a row. With 9 goals and 5 assists in the Premier League, his contribution has been way beyond just the aforementioned statistics.
Zaha’s raggedy runs and his explosiveness has seen him be a constant thorn for the opposition defence while also driving the attention away from other attackers in the squad, thus enabling the club’s ability to use the winger as a smokescreen in buildups.
But, after successive campaigns of struggle, Wilfried Zaha would want to move up the ladder again, with European football also a thing that is likely to influence his decision. Tottenham have been interested in the player for a while now but Chelsea’s interest could be welcomed by the winger.
At Chelsea, Eden Hazard, Pedro and Willian are the only options at the manager’s disposal. Willian though, has been linked with a move to rivals Manchester United, which makes reinforcements necessary in order to enable the Blues to return into the top four after what was an underwhelming campaign in defence of their 2016-17 title.
Wilfried Zaha’s directness will add a different dimension to Chelsea’s attack, with all the three players more buildup-based, except Eden Hazard and his sudden bursts of magic.
The only niggling point in pursuit of the former Manchester United star would be the lack of Champions League football. With Chelsea likely to compete with Tottenham for Zaha’s signature, the latter’s Champions League status could be a deciding factor for Zaha and his camp.
For now, Crystal Palace are reportedly clamouring to get the former Manchester United star to commit to a new deal. But, the ambitious winger is likely to warrant a return to the big leagues in the summer. Chelsea will have their work cut out in order to beat Tottenham in pursuit of the winger. But, they have done it previously and will be hoping Zaha’s case is a repeat of the Willian situation.
