According to a recent report by the Independent, Crystal Palace speedster Wilfried Zaha’s agent Federico Pastorello has held discussions with Chelsea’s sporting director Marina Granovskaia over a potential move for his client to Stamford Bridge. The same source has also revealed that the Pensioners are long-term admirers of the Ivorian striker and are prepared to reignite their interest in acquiring his services.
Zaha’s Lacklustre Start To This Premier League Season
However, it won’t be an easy deal to pull off as the 27-year-old has penned a contract at Selhurst Park that will run out in the summer of 2023. Hence, the Eagles will be under no pressure to part ways with their prized asset unless they receive a transfer fee that meets their valuation of the player.
Zaha has made an underwhelming start to this Premier League campaign but has rediscovered his old form in recent weeks. The former Man United wing wizard has featured in 16 matches for Roy Hodgson’s side this term, scoring two goals while creating two assists on all fronts.
The Abidjan-born attacker is averaging 1.8 shots, 1.0 key passes and 4.5 dribbles per game in the Premier League (stats via whoscored). He has earned 17 international caps for Ivory Coast, scoring five goals in the process.
What Will The Ivorian Playmaker Add To Lampard’s Side?
Zaha is one of the quickest dribblers in the English top-flight and tends to put his blistering pace to full use to try and get to the byline. He has also developed a reputation for earning penalties as he can be a tricky customer for any defender. The Ivory Coast international can be a prolific goal-scorer when he is playing with confidence on the field.
However, one can question whether Chelsea need to recruit a new winger when they already have the likes of Christian Pulisic, Mason Mount, Pedro, Willian and Callum Hudson-Odoi competing for the wing positions in Frank Lampard’s first-team.
Zaha’s unpredictability and vast Premier League experience make him an ideal signing for any of his potential suitors. Therefore, Lampard should firstly consider letting either Pedro or Willian leave before he decides to make a move for Zaha in the future.
