Arsenal-linked forward star welcomes exit proposals as Newcastle, West Ham take box seat
Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha will reportedly ‘listen to offers’ and is ‘prepared to move away’, as Newcastle United and West Ham United are leading the race.
Zaha’s future at Palace looks more uncertain now than it ever has. There have been regular reports of interest in the star for years of his Selhurst Park career.
Indeed, he’s been linked with big names such as Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool and, recently, even Barcelona.
That his contract is up at the end of the season has given more weight to the potential that he will move on.
That’s despite former Palace manager Patrick Vieira revealing last November that the club would do “everything to keep him”.
Given that was months ago and there’s been no movement on that front, a move away looks likely. Since then, interest has remained from a number of sides.
That comes from both big sides like league leaders Arsenal, along with Chelsea, and some smaller names.
It seems a pair of clubs have now put their noses out in front in the race to snare the winger.
Zaha will ‘listen to offers’ from pair
The Daily Star reports Newcastle and West Ham ‘are the frontrunners’ for the Ivorian’s signature. While that report states a contract extension ‘isn’t out of the question’, Zaha ‘will listen to offers’.
There are seemingly good reasons to join either side. The Daily Star suggests West Ham are ‘very keen to add Zaha to their ranks’ and they believe ‘the prospect of staying in London could be a compelling option’.
Whether or not that’d be a step up is another question. Were Zaha of the opinion he could only play for a mid-table side, he’d likely remain at Palace.
Given the Hammers are just one place ahead of the forward’s current side, it doesn’t seem a massive move.
On the other hand, David Moyes’ side finished sixth and the seventh in the last two seasons. As such, they’ve been successful recently, and adding Zaha into the mix could push them back up the table.
Zaha can play for a big side
However, Newcastle seems a better option for the forward at this point in his career. Other than a failed spell at Manchester United in 2013, he’s never played for a big club.
The Magpies, though, are becoming that. They’re currently third in the Premier League, ahead of the likes of United and Chelsea, and look in good shape to finish strong.
Zaha scored 14 Premier League goals last season and 11 the season prior. His six goals this season are the most of any Palace player.
As such, he’s shown consistency for a decent period, that could translate to a role in a big side. At 30 years of age, this summer could be his last chance at getting a move to a big name.
With that being said, given the opportunity between Newcastle and West Ham, the former seems the most appealing.
READ MORE: Newcastle set sights on four Premier League stars as Howe prepares for busy summer window