MY ACCOUNT
Wilfried Zaha could finally be set to leave Crystal Palace for a second time.
Back in 2013, the winger secured a dream move to Manchester United, but soon returned to Selhurst Park after only making four appearances for the Red Devils.
Since then, he has established himself as a club legend, but there has often been talk of another transfer.
His contract is due to expire in the summer, which could make that prospect a reality.
Ahead of Palace’s trip to rivals Brighton tonight, we take a look at what the future might hold for the Eagles’ talisman.
Palace hopes
Palace are desperate to keep their No11, as their manager Patrick Vieira explained before the clash with the Seagulls.
Arsenal legend Vieira, 46, said: “We do what we can and everybody knows we want to keep Wilfried at the club, but it will be his decision.
“We are waiting to see what he wants to do but we will do everything to keep him.
“He is committed every single day. What will happen after that is going to be his decision and something we cannot control.
“I believe the club is doing as much as it can to keep him and he knows how much the club loves him, how much the fans love him.
“Now everything is in his hands and he has to make a decision, which he will give when he is ready.”
Poor form
Palace are working hard to convince Zaha to stay— but their current performances on the field are unlikely to be proving persuasive.
Now 12th in the Premier League, the Londoners are without a win in 11 games.
And not only have they failed to score a goal in any of their last three matches, Palace have become the first team on record (since 2003-04) to fail to have a single shot on target in three consecutive top-flight outings.
With the Eagles only three points clear of the relegation zone, Vieira’s position is under threat. These factors all make the prospect of Zaha signing a new contract less likely.
The club badly need their star forward to deliver for them, but he has only just returned from injury and is struggling for form.
Despite not finding the net since November, he remains the club’s top scorer this term and has a good record against tonight’s opponents — against no side has he scored more goals in his club career in all competitions (eight, level with Leicester).
Arsenal heartbreak
Zaha’s second spell at Palace has been frequently punctuated by speculation regarding his future.
He came close to moving to Arsenal in 2019, only for the Gunners to sign Nicolas Pepe instead.
There was further talk of Mikel Arteta’s Premier League leaders signing the 30-year-old in the recent January transfer window, but those hopes were dashed when they signed Leandro Trossard instead.
With the Gunners now well-stocked when it comes to forward players, Zaha’s chance to move to the Emirates may have passed. Chelsea are also overflowing in that area.
Tottenham have been linked many times in the past but look to be at a crossroads regarding their future plans, while a return to Manchester United or a move to Manchester City seems unlikely right now.
Saudi step
The most natural fit among the Premier League’s traditional powerhouses would seem to be Liverpool, who are having a poor season and may see Zaha as an affordable addition to their attack.
Newcastle might be another suitor, with the now-wealthy Tynesiders having proved themselves still open to spending their funds prudently.
Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ittihad, however, have emerged as serious contenders to prise the Ivory Coast international from South London, reportedly tabling a £9million annual salary.
Before he decides his next step, Zaha will surely be focused on keeping his boyhood club in the top flight, starting with a match-winning display at the Amex this evening.
