Arsenal, Chelsea primed to give Prem forward star ‘top-club’ move in ‘now or never’ situation

Wilfried Zaha, Brennan Johnson, Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, November 2022

It’s “now or never” for Wilfried Zaha to secure a big move, and Mikel Arteta is “a fan” of the former Arsenal target, along with Chelsea, according to a journalist.

It’s rare for a transfer window to go by and Zaha not be linked with a move. That he’s been a consistent performer and goalscorer for a non ‘big-six’ side means he’s linked to one of those clubs often.

The Ivory Coast international hasn’t failed to score 10 goals in the league since the 2017/18 season. He’s on course to hit that tally again this term, currently sitting on six goals in 19 games.

Arsenal were admirers of the forward back in 2018, as were a number of other clubs, including rivals Tottenham.

Given his form since then, it’s no surprise there are still links with big names. The Gunners are yet again included in those links, as are Chelsea and Spurs.

That Zaha’s contract with Crystal Palace is up at the end of the season offers another reason as to why he’s currently sought after.

He might finally get another opportunity at a big club, after his spell at Manchester United in 2013/14 offered little chance at success.

It seems as though things are heading in the right direction for the 30-year-old. He’s in form, will be able to leave Palace soon and has big names in the hunt for him.

Big move ‘now or never’ for Zaha

Journalist Alex Crook is of the opinion that Zaha’s big chance could be coming.

“It certainly seems that Wilf Zaha’s stellar career at Crystal Palace could be coming to an end,” he told talkSPORT.

“His contract is up at the end of the season – no imminent sign that he is willing to extend.

“And if he is to go and achieve his ambitions of playing for a top club, it’s now or never really isn’t it?

“When you look at his age, the fact that he’s available as a free agent, he either commits his future to Crystal Palace and then probably sees out his top-flight career there.”

That’s a good explanation as to why he’d let his Palace contract run down. He’s been a great asset for them, but has shown that he’s destined for more and the end of his deal signals a chance that he can grasp that chance.

Arsenal, Chelsea primed to give Zaha opportunity

Crook thinks Zaha will take the opportunity that a big club can give him, rather than stay at Palace, and he names two clubs who would be keen on offering him the chance to shine.

“Or he goes off and tests himself, I think there will be suitors, I know Mikel Arteta is a fan, I know that Chelsea have certainly taken a look at him in the past as well,” Crook added.

“And I think there are big clubs in Europe who would be interested in a player of Wilf Zaha’s quality.

“I wouldn’t rule out a move abroad, I can see that happening.”

Zaha has proven that he’s a quality asset for a Premier League side. As such, it seems the best course of action for him to stay where he’s been successful, but on a bigger scale, at a bigger club.

Arsenal seems the better option than Chelsea for him in that case. The Blues’ squad is rife with attacking talent and their major spending could continue in the summer.

Whereas at Arsenal, they’re much more conservative about signings, and have fewer options in the forward areas, though the players they have are all of very high quality.

As such, Zaha could add to the attacker corps and finally show his quality right at the top end of the Premier League.

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