Transfer Talk: Zaha set for exit as Eagles legend looks to fly the nest

Cian Cheesbrough
LiveScore
Wilfried Zaha's Crystal Palace contract expires at the end of the season
Wilfried Zaha's Crystal Palace contract expires at the end of the season

Crystal Palace fans may only have a few more weeks to enjoy Wilfried Zaha before he flies the nest.

The Eagles star has shone for the best part of 12 years across two spells at Selhurst Park but his current contract is set to expire at the end of the campaign.

Palace are reportedly ready to offer the 30-year-old a bumper new contract to keep him in South London but plenty of big-name suitors are said to be keen on a free swoop.

Ahead of Palace's clash at Wolves tonight, where Zaha is ruled out through injury, we look at where the dynamic talent could be heading.

Premier League switch

Having proven himself to be one of the Premier League's trickiest customers, it is easy to see why a number of clubs in the English top flight might fancy snapping him up on a cheap deal.

Arsenal are long-term admirers after failing to land the Ivorian back in 2019 and reports suggest they are still keeping an eye on his situation.

Newcastle are another potential suitor to emerge and are likely to be able to offer Champions League football. That could hand the Magpies the initiative over other interested parties, such as Chelsea and West Ham.

Arsenal are thought to be chasing Wilfried Zaha
Arsenal are thought to be chasing Wilfried Zaha

European heavyweight

Zaha is said to be desperate to test himself at the top level and there are some elite clubs said to be in the mix for his signature.

Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and Bayern Munich have all been mentioned in reports and swapping Selhurst Park for the bright lights of any of those giants might seem a no-brainer.

But while the prospect of challenging for domestic and continental trophies would surely appeal, it remains to be seen whether the dazzling winger would be happy playing a potentially more peripheral role.

Regular football on the continent

That is why a switch to the likes of AC Milan, Roma or Marseille might prove the better option.

While not chasing titles in their respective leagues this term, the trio are still able to offer a route into Europe's elite competition and would no doubt look to unleash him as a regular starter.

Given his entertaining approach to the game, it would be no surprise to see supporters on the continent instantly take to him, too.

Wilfried Zaha has remained a goal threat for Crystal Palace despite injury issues this term
Wilfried Zaha has remained a goal threat for Crystal Palace despite injury issues this term

Remain at Palace

Speculation has surrounded Zaha's future for much of his time at Palace, with an eventual move to pastures new seemingly inevitable.

But it appears the Eagles are not ready to let their club legend leave just yet, with reports suggesting they are set to table a £200,000-per-week contract in a desperate bid to keep hold of their No11.

With it being an overall underwhelming season in South London, whoever is chosen to succeed Roy Hodgson may have a big bearing on whether they can convince Zaha to stick around or not.

Tags

Wilfried ZahaPremier LeagueArsenalNewcastle UnitedChelseaWest Ham UnitedLaLigaSerie ALigue 1Crystal Palace