Tottenham have been remarkably inactive in the previous two transfer windows, but with the stadium finally built, there are surely now funds available to them.
Wilfred Zaha has been a long-term target for the North London club, but have rather bulked at the astronomical transfer fee demanded by Palace.
The forward has thrived in recent years, taking full responsibility as the Crystal Palace talisman. He has scored an impressive nine goals in 31 goals this campaign, including a crucially important goal away at Arsenal last weekend.
Palace manager Roy Hodgson has claimed Zaha is ‘happy’ at Palace and is to stay for ‘years to come’. But Zaha must surely be looking for Champions League football. The forward is now 26 and approaching the pinnacle of his career. A player of that quality simply must be playing at a higher level.
Indeed, both the Daily Mail and the Daily Express have talked about Spurs’ long-term interest in the Ivorian.
Zaha did make the move to the elite in a £25m transfer to Manchester United in 2012. The move arguably came when he was too young, however. His performances have significantly matured in recent years, adding goals and assists to the natural talent that he possesses.
A team where Zaha would most likely thrive is Tottenham. He would provide a serious injection of quality to the squad. Where Lucas has shone in patches, Lamela has never reached his potential at Tottenham. Arguably the only winger that regularly performs is Heung-min Son – and he’s currently performing best as a striker.
Similarly to Son, Zaha would be able to play either on the wing or as a striker for Tottenham. Essentially, they would be fixing two positions with one purchase. Despite the impressive stats Fernando Llorente has produced this season, the attacker is 34-years-old. Yes, he’s been competent, but no, he cannot be a long-term back up to Harry Kane.
Kane has been out with two separate ankle injuries this season which must be a worry for Tottenham. They cannot rely on Son being able to step up on each occasion in his absence. Zaha would certainly fill this void. The reported £80m needed to acquire his signature makes it unlikely Tottenham will make a move, but it’s certainly something they should consider.
What do you think Tottenham fans? Is Zaha worth £80m?