According to a recent report by the Sun, Everton are lining up a £100m transfer package which will include Cenk Tosun and James McCarthy to secure the services of Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha before the transfer deadline later this week. The same source has mentioned that the Toffees are willing to give up £65m plus two players in pursuit of the Ivory Coast international in this off-season.
However, the Sun has also stated that Roy Hodgson’s side are demanding £120m for their prized asset which could be a stumbling block for the Merseyside outfit despite their willingness to include both Tosun and McCarthy in the deal.
Zaha’s Productive Campaign At Selhurst Park
The 26-year-old enjoyed another fruitful season with the Eagles after he put in a string of match-winning displays which helped his team clinch a 12th placed finish in the English top-flight table. The Palace rising star scored ten goals and created ten assists in 36 matches for the Selhurst outfit on all fronts in the previous campaign. Zaha has also appeared in nine international matches for Ivory Coast and has found the back of the net on two occasions for his country so far.
The former Manchester United talent is highly versatile and can play anywhere across the frontline. The Palace speedster was often used as a centre-forward at Selhurst Park last season, but he can also make a positive impact on either wing if required.
What Will The Ivorian Winger’s Best Attributes?
Zaha has a terrific burst of pace, which allows him to beat his marker when left isolated in a 1v1 situation during a match. He can also make some well-timed runs behind the opposition backline and has the composure to finish off chances in the final third. He is undeniably one of the fastest players in the top tier of England and has also built a reputation of earning penalties for his side as he is full of tricks inside the opposing penalty box.
Giving Up Tosun and McCarthy For Zaha: Good Move For Silva?
The addition of a forward of Zaha’s ilk will bolster Marco Silva’s attacking options significantly at Goodison Park. The Toffees would have a realistic chance of breaking into the Premier League’s top 6 if they can successfully bring the Ivorian talent to Merseyside this summer. Giving up Tosun and McCarthy won’t affect Silva’s first-team plans too much for the 2019-20 campaign. The dynamic duo has failed to live up to the high expectations surrounding their arrivals at Everton.
It could prove to be an excellent coup for the Toffees if they can find a way to get a deal done for Zaha before the start of the new campaign.
