With Wilfried Zaha stepping up his game in recent weeks, Chelsea may want to think about targeting the winger as a surprise January signing.
Chelsea fans are expecting their club to make some moves this January. However, the hyper-inflated nature of the mid-season market and the reluctance of many clubs to do business may prevent any significant new signings. The Blues may need to think outside the box and targeting Wilfried Zaha could be a shrewd move.
The former Manchester United man has come on leaps and bounds this season. The winger has proven his immense potential and has been linked with a move away as a result. Speaking after Crystal Palace’s draw with Manchester City, Zaha stated he would not leave in January. However, there is little reason to doubt he would pack his bags if Palace accepted an offer.
Zaha has huge potential. Sir Alex Ferguson signed him during his last season in football and thus was not there to nurture him. Hence, Zaha returned to Selhurst Palace on a permanent basis two years later.
Given Crystal Palace’s current situation, Zaha could prove to be fantastic value for money in January. Palace spent around £5 million on his return and thus do not have much money to recoup. If the Blues can come in with a lucrative offer, Palace may feel that having the funds would be better than having the individual.
Chelsea have struggled through the first half of the season. While they have turned the style on in some games – Stoke being one – they have largely lacked creativity and cutting edge. The onus has been on Eden Hazard and Alvaro Morata to provide all of the Blues’ attacking threat. Despite some flashes of brilliance from Pedro and Willian, they have not been consistent enough to inspire confidence.
Signing Zaha will force all of Chelsea’s attackers to raise their game. Moreover, Zaha will be eager to take his second chance at succeeding with a big club. The 25-year-old is expected to join a top team in the near future and he will be hungry to show that he belongs.
This may not be the deal that Chelsea fans want, but creativity is needed in a mid-season transfer window. Simply put, top continental talent will not be available without an excessive premium. Those deals should be done in the summer.
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Instead, the Blues should look to poach exciting players from lower-league clubs. They are more likely to give in to a reasonable offer and someone like Zaha could represent that boost Chelsea need heading into the business end of the season.