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Wilfried Zaha Reportedly Targeted by 5 of EPL's Top 6 Clubs in Latest Rumours
May 11, 2018
Five of the Premier League's top six clubs are reportedly ready to make a move for Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha at the end of the campaign.
According to Adrian Kajumba of the Daily Mirror, the only member of the top six that is not interested in the Ivory Coast international is Manchester United, whom Zaha played for previously.
Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City are all said to be ready to compete for the 25-year-old.
"Zaha said last week that he doesn't see himself anywhere other than Palace but also wouldn't be put off joining one of the league's elite if the chance came around to test himself at a higher level again despite his disappointing experience at Old Trafford," Kajumba reported. "Palace have no desire to sell their player of the year and talisman Zaha, whose current contract runs until 2022."
It's said that Tottenham have been admirers of Zaha since 2016, when they had two bids rejected for the winger. They are reprtedly ready to make a fresh move in the upcoming transfer window.
Liverpool have recently had their interest piqued by the player, whereas City may be considering Zaha as an alternative if they are unable to strike a deal for Leicester City star Riyad Mahrez.
Arsenal and Chelsea are both said to be admirers, although uncertainty over their managerial situations may prevent them making moves.
Zaha has been catching the eye throughout the campaign, and his form was recognised with the Premier League Player of the Month Award for April:
He's a crucial part of Roy Hodgson's Palace side, developing into a talisman for the south London club and coming up with some crucial moments.
Zaha has eight goals and three assists for the Eagles this term, but his influence extends beyond those numbers. His penchant for the spectacular, his pace, power and technical ability—not to mention a new-found versatility—has made him impossible for defenders to handle at times this season.
The winger struggled when he moved to United in 2013. He was loaned out to Cardiff City in January 2014 and then back to Palace before rejoining on a permanent deal in 2015.
Phil Blundell of The Anfield Wrap believes there are still areas of Zaha's game that would prevent an elite side going after the winger:
However, these numbers from Sky Sports Statto point to a player who is improving all the time:
While there's no doubt he's matured as a footballer and person, one of the main reasons Zaha has been effective for Palace this season is that all of their attacking play is funnelled through him. At some of the clubs reported to be interested, he would be more of a supporting player.
Still, interest will inevitably arrive, and it will be a huge decision for Zaha to make because he's clearly at ease with life in south London at a team he has a huge affinity with.