According to the latest reports in England, Wilfried Zaha has turned down a bumper £120,000-a-week contract extension at Crystal Palace. The former Manchester United starlet has been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur.
Even though Sun Football did claim that Palace are set to make another improved offer as they look to hold on their star player in this transfer window. Zaha still has four years remaining on his current contract having signed £100,000-a-week just 15 months ago. However, his exceptional performances have attracted the interest of a few top sides in England, which has forced Palace’s hand as they look to sway off potential suitors with a bumper contract extension.
Tottenham, in particular, have emerged as an interesting suitor for Zaha. The Lilywhites are believed to be leading the chase for the services of the Ivorian attacker with head coach Mauricio Pochettino keen on bolstering his attacking department this summer.
Zaha’s resurrection and what he’ll add to Tottenham
After failing to make the grade at Manchester United under then manager David Moyes, Zaha has become a revelation at Crystal Palace. Since returning to the Selhurst Park in 2015, the 25-year-old has enjoyed astounding success on his way to becoming Palace’s most important player in attack.
During his second stint with the club, Zaha has made 129 Premier League appearances, in which he has scored 22 goals.
However, 16 of his 22 goals have come in the past couple of seasons, which serves as a testament to the incredible growth he has seen in the past two years. Last season, in particular, he was the only bright spark in an otherwise dire campaign for Crystal Palace. Zaha’s nine goals helped the Eagles finish the season in a respectable mid-table position.
Blessed with raw pace and quick feet, the former Manchester United starlet can be an exciting addition for Tottenham Hotspur. Even though Spurs are coming on the back of a rather satisfying campaign, Pochettino will be well aware of the problems his side could face in the upcoming season.
The Lilywhites lack the necessary depth in the attacking department. While the front three of Dele Alli, Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen have been excellent, new signing Lucas Moura is yet to sort his feet out in the English top flight.
In addition, Argentine winger Erik Lamela also faces an uncertain future with the club, with Inter Milan showing a keen interest in his services this summer.
Therefore, it will be a smart move from Tottenham’s point of view if they acquire the services of Zaha this summer. The Palace attacker has an ample amount of experience in the English top flight. And with his addition to the club, head coach Pochettino will be provided with a strong weapon at his disposal as he aims to pose a strong challenge for the title next season.