Chelsea are interested in signing Wilfred Zaha next summer, with the player’s agent reportedly making contact with the Blues’ director of football over a potential move.
Zaha was subject to bids from Everton and Arsenal last summer but both of those transfers fell through as the Toffees stood firm on their high valuation of a key asset, much to the winger’s annoyance.
The failed moves led to the 27-year-old seeking fresh representation with The Independent now reporting that the Ivorian’s new agent, Federico Pastorello, has spoken to Chelsea about orchestrating a switch to Stamford Bridge.
Zaha has had a relatively underwhelming start to the season, scoring just two goals and registering two assists so far for the Eagles.
A move to Chelsea would be somewhat surprising, due to the fact that Frank Lampard is already blessed with a host of attacking options.
Christian Pulisic was brought in from Borussia Dortmund at the beginning of the season while Callum Hudson-Odoi recently signed a long-term deal at the club.
When asked about whether he was concerned about losing his star man, Palace manager Roy Hodgson refused to rule out a battle to keep Zaha at the club in future transfer windows.
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“Who knows, there might come a time in the future where we’re confronted with that situation again. But, until that day arrives, I’ll carry on working with him, being happy to be working with him and happy that we’ve got a player of his ability to help us win football matches.”
Manchester United have also been linked with a move for the 27-year-old, who previously played at Old Trafford between 2013 and 2015.
Regardless of Zaha’s desire to move, his contract with Palace runs until the summer of 2023 and whether the Eagles will be willing to negotiate on a price tag that proved prohibitive during the summer remains to be seen.
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