At the end of his contract with Crystal Palace, Wilfried Zaha is one of the attractions of the summer transfer window. There is no shortage of interest in the Ivorian international. Major European clubs are interested in him. As are the Saudi Arabian armada.
Wilfried Zaha is on the list of several clubs. The latest is Lazio. The Italian club have approached the Ivorian international, Fabrizio Romano revealed on Friday 23 June. The Crystal Palace player will be out of contract in less than a week's time and will have to choose his next destination. And where exactly?
Staying in Europe, a strong possibility
A former Manchester United player, Wilfried Zaha has no shortage of suitors. Some of Europe's biggest names are said to be interested in his profile. From the outset, he was rumoured to be on his way to Arsenal and Manchester United. A former Red Devils player and long courted by the Gunners, these leads have gradually cooled. There are, however, other big names still linked with him. These include Paris Saint-Germain, whose name keeps cropping up. On 11 June, Le Parisien revealed that PSG had ticked Zaha's name off their list and that discussions had even begun.
The Ivorian's versatility (capable of playing on the left and right) is said to have attracted the club from the French capital, but they are not the only European side interested in his profile. His great rivals Marseille are also following his trail. In Spain too, Wilfried Zaha is attracting a lot of interest. According to the Daily Mail, Atlético Madrid have come to enquire about the Eagles striker. Diego Simeone is said to be very fond of the Ivorian. Combative, lively and highly technical, Zaha is said to meet the requirements of the Argentinian coach, who is known for his enthusiasm and rigour.
Champions League crucial?
If he wants to stay in Europe, Wilfried Zaha would like to play in the Champions League. He would love to play in the Cup with the big ears. Having spent the last 8 years at Crystal Palace, the 30-year-old Ivorian international is keen to join a major club and play in the big leagues. All the more reason why he has still not accepted the Eagles' offer of an extension. PSG, Lazio and Atletico Madrid all meet this requirement, having all qualified for next season's UEFA Champions League. Newcastle and AC Milan are also interested in him.
Saudi Pro League to play spoilsport?
After Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and soon Kalidou Koulibaly, Ngolo Kanté, Edouard Mendy and Hakim Ziyech, Saudi Arabia is continuing its vast recruitment campaign. Wilfried Zaha could be next on the list. Al Nassr have already tabled an offer of €30 million a year for his services. However, according to Ekrem Konur, he has rejected the offer. The ESPN journalist nonetheless claims that the Saudi club are continuing negotiations. At 30, the Ivorian international could well be tempted by a move to the Saudi Pro League. This is all the more true given that the wages are very substantial and that a number of big-name stars are in the process of joining the league. The possibility of playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo could also be a reason for him to answer the Saudi call. The two players crossed paths at Manchester United.
Excl: Lazio have now approached Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha on potential free deal. Negotiations took place but it’s not an easy deal at this stage. 🔵🇨🇮 #transfers #CPFC
Zaha has many proposals and so will assess his options soon. pic.twitter.com/mMu2G5xrGz
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 23, 2023
