Chelsea are reportedly preparing a fresh bid for former Manchester United winger Wilfried Zaha, after their initial offer was rejected by Crystal Palace.
According to a report by The Sun, Chelsea are ready to make an improved offer for Wilfried Zaha. Crystal Palace have already rejected a £30 million bid by the Blues for the former Manchester United star, in a deal that would have seen Danny Drinkwater move to Selhurst Park. Tottenham are also interested in the Ivory Coast international.
Zaha has found his mojo once again since returning to Crystal Palace from Manchester United in the summer of 2015. His improvement over the last three seasons has been so astounding that he is now considered to be among the best attacking players in the Premier League.
Unsurprisingly, there hasn’t been a dearth of interest in the former Manchester United star over the last few transfer windows, with Chelsea and Tottenham among the clubs trying to snap him up. The Blues though, have been more concrete with their interest in the 25-year-old.
Heading into the summer transfer window, Chelsea were in a precarious situation with Eden Hazard and Willian heavily linked with summer departures away from Stamford Bridge. While Hazard is expected to stay put, the Brazilian winger still faces an uncertain future, with Manchester United keen on signing him.
If Willian indeed ends up parting ways with Chelsea this summer, Pedro will be the only recognised winger at Maurizio Sarri’s disposal in addition to Hazard. Zaha is thus, a viable target, who will bolster the Blues’ attack irrespective of the Brazilian’s departure.
But, Chelsea face an uphill task in their bid to sign Zaha in time before the English transfer window closes on August 9. Crystal Palace have already knocked back an initial bid by the Blues, which saw them offer £30 million plus Danny Drinkwater to land the former Manchester United star.
But, Chelsea are hopeful of finally landing the 25-year-old with an improved offer worth £45 million, plus £15 million in add-ons and a massive sell-on fee. Meanwhile, Tottenham are also weighing up a move for the player, although Palace are reportedly confident of keeping hold of him.
The race to sign Zaha is getting increasingly unpredictable. With the player not forcing a move away from Selhurst Park, Crystal Palace would fancy keeping hold of the former Manchester United man. But, Chelsea will hope to seal the deal when they table their late offer for the Ivory Coast international. An interesting next few days beckon.
