Crystal Palace are ready to battle it out with West Ham United to bring Wilfried Zaha back to the club this summer.
According to a report from the Daily Star, Crystal Palace are looking to strengthen their attack ahead of next season and they are interested in bringing Wilfried Zaha back for a third spell at Selhurst Park. With Galatasaray ready to sanction his departure for a cut-price fee, West Ham United are also keen on his signature but the Eagles are ready to rival them.
Zaha made over 450 appearances for the English club before leaving them last summer. His contract ran out and he ended up joining Galatasaray as a free agent. He had a successful debut season at the Turkish club where he found the back of the net on 10 occasions and even bagged five assists.
Galatasaray ready to sell Zaha
Despite his consistent performances, the Super Lig are looking to sanction his departure in the ongoing transfer window. Galatasaray are not in the best of financial positions and they can no longer afford Zaha’s massive weekly salary of £300,000.
While he still has three years left on his deal, the Turkish giants’ representatives have informed Crystal Palace and West Ham United about his availability. They have made it clear that they are willing to let him leave for a bargain fee in order to make things happen.
The Hammers are in desperate need to strengthen their attack ahead of next season. With Michail Antonio’s future still uncertain, they are looking to bring in a top-quality forward who can lead the attack and Zaha seems to be an ideal fit. His versatility will be a big plus for Julen Lopetegui who seeks depth on the flanks as well as a number nine.
Crystal Palace to rival West Ham
While West Ham are interested in the 31-year-old, Crystal Palace are ready to battle it out with them. After parting ways with Zaha last summer, the Eagles didn’t cope well without him in the final third.
While Oliver Glasner has managed to get things back on track, he is looking to add more firepower and the return of the Ivorian international could do wonders for him. His ability to feature anywhere in attack and his experience could come in handy. More importantly, Zaha knows the club inside out and he is a proven Premier League star.
While Zaha seems open to a return to the English top flight, he will have to accept a huge pay cut for a move to go through. He could look to negotiate a pay-off with Galatasary who in turn could agree to let him leave for free making things easier for interested club.
