Fabrizio Romano has dropped a Crystal Palace transfer claim over Wilfried Zaha…
What’s the News?
Romano has claimed that Crystal Palace will “most likely” lose Zaha on a free transfer next year, despite fighting to the end in order to keep the winger at Selhurst Park.
The 30-year-old will see his contract expire at the end of the season and he was verbally offered a bumper new deal at the start of last month, however, nothing was signed and Patrick Vieira faces losing one of his finest players for free come the end of the season.
With Arsenal and Ligue 1 side Marseille interested in signing the player, the club would be wise to cash in on their prized asset in January rather than losing him for nothing six months later.
Vieira should sell in January
Palace have been solid if unspectacular this season, occupying 11th place in the Premier League table and there are high hopes of a top-half finish under the Frenchman this term.
The £130k-per-week sensation has once again been the club’s star man. This season he has led the way in terms of scoring, netting six goals, while also grabbing two assists and Palace would undoubtedly be further down the table if it wasn’t for his ability.
Despite his obvious threat in front of goal, Zaha ranks third for key passes per match (1.2), fourth for big chances created (two), and fifth for overall rating (6.95) suggesting that there are other players who have been more successful in certain metrics this season.
According to the CIES Football Observatory, Zaha is currently valued at €15m (£12.9m) and if Vieira wants to sell the player next month, this will be the sort of fee he is looking at. It’s hardly ground-breaking, however, it could potentially be reinvested into other areas of the squad.
The winger has served the club well, making 443 appearances for the London side while adding 164 goal contributions – 89 goals and 75 assists – which is a great return for a player who has predominantly played in wide positions throughout his career.
With Romano claiming that he will likely leave for nothing in the summer, it makes sense for Vieira to cash in now and use the money wisely rather than let things fester for another few months.
It could well be a case of short-term pain for long-term gain for the Frenchman, although it won’t be a decision that will be taken lightly.