Former Eagles winger John Salako believes a man who previously flopped at Manchester United is ready for another shot at the big time
Wilfried Zaha would be a great addition for Chelsea, Arsenal or Tottenham, says John Salako, with Crystal Palace’s contract rebel ready for another shot at the big time.
Back in 2013, the highly-rated winger was snapped up by Manchester United as his obvious potential attracted widespread interest and two senior caps for England.
Things did not go to plan for Zaha at Old Trafford, though, as he quickly ended up back at Palace while switching international allegiance to the Ivory Coast.
Now 25 years of age, he has rebuilt his game and reputation back in familiar surroundings and is considered to be deserving of high-profile transfer after snubbing fresh terms at Selhurst Park.
Former Palace winger Salako told Love Sport Radio: “I think he went off to Man United too early.
“He came back and he’s been absolutely sensational. It is his home, he is comfortable and he knows everyone.
“He would fit into any team - Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal - and I can see all those guys clambering for him and the lure of a big club, playing in big arenas and in the Champions League.
“I think turning down this contract in a massive indication that he’s got some interest elsewhere and could be ready to move elsewhere.”
Spurs have been linked with Zaha for some time, with the development of a local rival being closely monitored, and Salako believes a move across London would make a lot of sense.
He added: “I think he brings something different to Spurs.
“He wouldn’t necessarily be a starter but I think once he goes and trains and [Mauricio] Pochettino gets hold of him and they work with him and explain to him…I think he understands that side of the game and going and defending.
“I believe that Zaha’s physicality, strength, pace and ability on the ball is just phenomenal.”
Zaha enjoyed the most productive season of his career to date in 2017-18, making 29 Premier League appearances and netting nine goals.
He also provided three assists, with his efforts contributing significantly to Palace recovering from a slow start to steer a course to safety under Roy Hodgson.
Peyiklm
0
good for bring arsenal to zaha bcus hi can run an driven
Peyiklm
0
emire should go an figh for zaha 35m/40
Chipoboy
0
Barcelona would also be a good team for the ivorian man, he will fit Barcelona's playing tactics and plans
nipeklmpy
0
Ledabdilpr
1
best for Arsenal,, emery come,'on
Handsome Mike
0
Loan Morata to Ac Milan, sign Higuain and Zaha, and bring back Batsman to fight for a top position and we are good to go. Higuain - £45 maximum or no deal. Zaha - not more than 40M.
Liyceiosyz
1
Zaha Agent should ask bacar Agent i want him to play in fc bacelone
abqoyet
2
zaha would be a very good signing for Arsenal (Someone that can hold ball dribble and run faster)#Emery
Asia&Pacific7776275
0
Good to bring to chelsea Zaha
muyabcimpt
0
He's too pricy and at Chelsea we have Hudson-odoi who plays exactly the same and looks faster and stronger with a similar skillset. Maybe the other teams need him since they don't have that style of player but we already have a youth with a higher ceiling than Zaha and a lot more years....
simple as that boy u said it all
lented
2
Chelsea must allow hazard to leave and go get zaha...if I may say....because if they wait till the last days of the transfer and Madrid come in...they may not find a replacement.....so its better they think smart..
Puoclnostu
1
seems good.
Asia&Pacific7776275
2
Good to bring to chelsea Zaha
TaamimTaibur
1
Zaha will come back as a great
Jopbdinpuy
0
He's too pricy and at Chelsea we have Hudson-odoi who plays exactly the same and looks faster and stronger with a similar skillset. Maybe the other teams need him since they don't have that style of player but we already have a youth with a higher ceiling than Zaha and a lot more years....
I agree but hodoi lacks Experience playing against big teams.so it would be better we get him and one midfielder +1 Defender .
Blue_heart
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You are right. It's time to give the youth players their chances. Just look at how Hudson-Odoi plays. I am confident that he would shoot to stardom if given a run in the first team.
i agree with you. think about salah, debruyne and lukaku...[Cry]
ciydlz
0
some people never learn from past mistakes am 100% sure zaha will not be first team player in those teams he is going to be benched then he is going to start all over again
wiuklostz
0
Nope!! Spurs or Chelsea, but not Arsenal.
Chaselike
0
Hope palace do well this season. Soft spot for them since the speroni testimonial
reasonon
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Of course he meant it.
Uniqu
0
He will stay, just needs to be paid the going rate ! Palace can satisfy all his needs in the game
GEMfans
0
Too late, he's gone
fangchang
0
He only does any good at Palace because he stands out. Proved it when he went to manu & wasn't even average
Nichola
0
A none-story...Zaha is under contract. He isn't going anywhere.
Elsa98
2
Hurm, i don't know anything about this guy and his potential..
hukcal
0
Zaha's too good for the likes of palace, I think he would thrive in a team like Spurs.
flower
0
If he goes they're in big trouble, no new signings and look how they played last season without him....
Abbyabbie
0
Better stay at Palace where he will be the main man and obviously more valued!
Elsa98
0
Hurm, i don't know anything about this guy and his potential..
rota2903
1
chelsea already has musonda and odoi, so there is no position for zaha.
You are right. It's time to give the youth players their chances. Just look at how Hudson-Odoi plays. I am confident that he would shoot to stardom if given a run in the first team.
MonkingKing
0
He's too pricy and at Chelsea we have Hudson-odoi who plays exactly the same and looks faster and stronger with a similar skillset. Maybe the other teams need him since they don't have that style of player but we already have a youth with a higher ceiling than Zaha and a lot more years....
so bro what if both hazard and willian leave this summer...whom we buy ???
MonkingKing
1
I Think chelsea have many bright stars in their setup in his position but with both hazard and willian future in hold i think chelsea must sign in earlier in order to avoid panic buy like last season..and i think he is has been performing better for palace for past couple of season..so signing will give chelsea so PL experience and with quality players around he will be even better
Blue_heart
1
chelsea already has musonda and odoi, so there is no position for zaha.
ChelseaChelseaChelse
0
To Chelsea I agree XD
Nesaiknruy
17
He's too pricy and at Chelsea we have Hudson-odoi who plays exactly the same and looks faster and stronger with a similar skillset. Maybe the other teams need him since they don't have that style of player but we already have a youth with a higher ceiling than Zaha and a lot more years....
vasquez
1
i think he would help out alot at arsenal but if he chooses any of the other clubs it will be good too
Yobcim
1
To Chelsea.
kurk
0
he is a great buy tbh