5 transfer options open to Zaha as Crystal Palace star receives £45m offer
Crystal Palace’s star man Wilfried Zaha faces a big decision over his future this summer with his contract at Selhurst Park into its final weeks.
Zaha has been at the South London the club since the age of 12 - bar a brief stint at Manchester United - and has clocked up 457 appearances since his debut at 21. The winger is a hero around SE25, but he was robbed of the chance to say a proper goodbye to the Palace fans when his season was cut short by injury, although he was a part of the lap of appreciation after their final home game.
Palace still hold out hope of keeping Zaha beyond this summer, but after fending off interest in the 30-year-old over the duration of his five-year contract, it could be time for the Ivorian to fly the nest.
Where he will go still hangs in the balance, but Mirror Football have taken a look at five possible moves on the table.
Al Nassr
Just a few days after the news broke that Karim Benzema would be moving to Saudi Arabia in a £345m deal, another Saudi side - Al Nassr – are looking to make Zaha the next big arrival to the Middle East. Sky Sports report Al-Nassr have offered the Crystal Palace star a lucrative three-year contract worth £45m.
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The Saudi side finished second in the Saudi Pro League, despite signing Cristiano Ronaldo back in December, but the Portuguese forward has lavished praise on the division as he recently urged the world's top players to join him in the gulf nation.
Zaha could team up with Cristiano Ronaldo in the Middle East (AFP via Getty Images)Their time at United did not overlap when Zaha was at Old Trafford, but the opportunity to play with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner could now appeal.
Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has been a long-term admirer of the Palace winger after trying to sign him back in 2020 and now appears to have revived his interest.
The Mail report Atletico have made enquiries about the prospect of signing Zaha and can offer him Champions League football. After a good season in LaLiga, Atletico finished third in the table to qualify for Europe's top club competition - something Zaha has spoken about his burning desire to play in previously.
Chelsea
Mauricio Pochettino was an admirer of Zaha's talents during his time at Tottenham (Getty Images)Despite links with moves further afield, Zaha has been known to become homesick while on international duty with Ivory Coast, suggesting a switch much closer to home is a possibility. Across the River Thames, Chelsea, could be an option, with incoming manager Mauricio Pochettino a long-term admirer of Zaha during his time at Tottenham.
After splashing more than £600m in the previous two transfer windows, coupled with finishing in the bottom half of the table, as well as their need to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations, snapping up Zaha on a free transfer could be some astute business from the Blues.
Pochettino has already rejected the chance to sign Joao Felix, while Kai Havertz, Christian Pulisic, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Hakim Ziyech are all linked with the exit door, potentially freeing up space for Zaha - but Chelsea do lack the crucial element of being able to offer European football, at least for now.
Tottenham
Another London side with Zaha on their radar is Tottenham. Their interest was first reported back in March, though a managerial change has made the situation unclear. Ange Postecoglou will no doubt have his own ideas on how he wants to lead a new era at Spurs, which may or may not include Zaha.
Like Chelsea, Tottenham also finished outside of the European qualifying positions for the first time in 14 seasons – ending their season in eighth place. Spurs have already seen Lucas Moura depart on a free transfer, while some feel Zaha would be an upgrade on Postecoglou's current options.
Former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor said earlier this week: “I’d go out and get Wilfried Zaha. I think he offers a lot more than Kulusevski, and he’s got that raw pace. Imagine Zaha, Kane and Son – that’s frightening."
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Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace fans have created a mural for Zaha around Selhurst Park (Getty Images)The final offer on the table is a contract extension to stay with Zaha's beloved Palace. The Eagles are doing all they can to keep hold of their talisman and are prepared to break their all-time highest wage by offering a staggering £200,000-per-week deal.
After having his best season so far during the 2021/22 campaign under previous manager Patrick Vieira, netting 14 goals, Zaha remains hugely important to his team despite injuries hampering his most recent campaign.
He was immediately handed the captain's armband on Roy Hodgson’s return and would be a crucial part of the plans for any incoming manager. While Zaha has had itchy feet in the past, his failed move to United also lingers long in the memory.
Staying at Crystal Palace would guarantee game time - something he may not be afforded at some of the other clubs on this list - while he would certainly not receive the same adoration elsewhere as the love Palace has for him, perhaps best illustrated by his recent mural outside Selhurst Park.
Where will the Ivorian end up? Will he move abroad for the money or remain faithful to his South London side…
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