Chelsea have reportedly opened talks with Crystal Palace over a potential deal for Wilfried Zaha, who has one year left on his deal at Selhurst Park.
According to 90 min, Chelsea have initiated discussions with Crystal Palace over bringing Wilfried Zaha to Stamford Bridge. The 29-year-old attacker has a year left on his deal at Selhurst Park, although the transfer is far more complicated than it may seem.
Wilfried Zaha continues to harbour dreams about playing for a big club in the Premier League and featuring in the UEFA Champions League. The 29-year-old attacker saw a move to Arsenal stall a few years ago, and in this window, there could be an opportunity to take the step to the next level.
Chelsea are reportedly interested in the 29-year-old attacker as Thomas Tuchel looks at ideas to improve his forward line. Zaha has been a tremendous player in the Premier League and could be a formidable signing if the Blues are serious about acquiring him.
Tuchel has been urging the club to bring in reinforcements despite the high-profile signing of Raheem Sterling in the summer. However, they also lost Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner during the window, while Kai Havertz has been underwhelming since the campaign began.
? "I think he's used to it and you look at his smile when he got the ball, it says everything"
Patrick Vieira isn't worried about Zaha's future at the club and says he shows 'competitiveness' and that 'he loves' the club ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/cJuB6Rm9nb
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 31, 2022
Chelsea have been pursuing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Antony Gordon as their primary attacking targets in this window, but there have been doubts about the Gabonese striker. Contrary to reports, the Blues are not looking at Zaha as an alternative to the Barcelona forward, but for the Everton youngster.
Chelsea recently made a fresh offer for Gordon despite a growing belief that Everton may keep him. The 21-year-old has scored in his last two Premier League outings, including on Tuesday night against Leeds United. The Toffees value him far more to allow him out at this stage despite the pressure from Chelsea.
Hence, Zaha is considered a viable alternative who could come and improve Tuchel’s attacking options. After Chelsea lost to Southampton at St. Mary’s on Tuesday, the need to reinforce the attacking unit has become essential, and the Blues could be in for a late dash in the window.
Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira is relaxed over speculation surrounding Zaha. In the clip above, his comments indicate the Frenchman is not too worried about the potential departure. However, Crystal Palace are reportedly seeking at least £30 million to part ways with the 29-year-old attacker, although they could also look at Conor Gallagher in a part-exchange deal.
Despite Crystal Palace’s interest, Chelsea do not intend to part ways with Gallagher. It is understood the midfielder could choose the Eagles over other suitors if he is allowed to depart Stamford Bridge in this window. Hence, the deal for Zaha may not be as simple as it seems on paper. Whether Crystal Palace can afford to lose their main attacker at this stage remains to be seen, although they will lose him on a free next summer.
