Transfer Profile: Wilfred Zaha

Transfer Profile: Wilfred Zaha 

By Will Castle

Wilfred Zaha is the next name to feature in our transfer profile series, as we take a deep dive into a player who seems to be forever linked with the Gunners.

Once again, the Crystal Palace forward has emerged as a potential target for Mikel Arteta, who may be looking to further bolster his attacking options following the acquisitions of Manchester City star Gabriel Jesus and Porto playmaker Fabio Vieira.

While developments in this seemingly ever-lasting saga have stalled in recent times, Zaha has never closed the door on a possible switch, admitting it was “amazing” to hear of Arsenal’s strong interest back in 2019.

So, with that, let’s take a look at what the Ivorian international could bring to Arteta’s side, as they look to re-establish themselves as a serious threat in the race for top four this season.

 

Who is he?

Zaha is a versatile forward, who first made his senior debut for Crystal Palace in 2010, advancing from the Eagles’ academy.

After initially bursting onto the scene, impressing in the Championship and accruing a plethora of admirers, Zaha earnt a move to Manchester United - a transfer that would prove ill-fated for the then-England under-21 starlet.

After a couple of underwhelming loans under contract at Old Trafford, Zaha would make a return to South London on a permanent basis, signed by Alan Pardew in February 2015.

Finding his feet back on familiar soil, Zaha has since become Palace’s 12^th-highest goal scorer in their history, featuring for the club over 300 times and becoming the board’s prized possession – something the forward has found to be a hindrance in his attempts to up sticks.

 

What will he bring?

Zaha is a pacey, innovative, reliable forward who can both score and create, and is crucially a Premier League-proven talent.

In line with Arteta’s summer signings so far in Vieira, Jesus and Oleksander Zinchenko, Zaha is also a highly versatile player, able to play on either wings or as a number nine.

He would therefore further reinforce the Gunners’ options going forward, acting to address Arsenal’s age-old issue of a lack of quality in depth.

The 29-year-old will also be hitting his prime during the next couple of years, so if Arsenal were to sign their long-time transfer target, it’s arguably now or never.

However, there are undoubtedly downsides to the prospect of Arsenal splashing the cash.

 

Should Arsenal be looking elsewhere?

Arsenal have already strengthened their attacking options this summer, and there is an argument that other areas of Arteta’s squad are more in need of attention.

Many fans have been yearning for defensive reinforcements, with Bundesliga stars Manuel Akanji and Edmond Tapsoba reportedly being monitored by the Gunners.

Consequently, there is a belief that the money that would go towards a Zaha transfer could be put to better use.

There are also concerns over his age, as at 29-years-old, the potential move would not be reflective of Arteta’s recent transfer approach of buying with an eye for the future.

Furthermore, the signing of Zaha would likely harm the development of younger talent, such as Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah, players who will need regular first-team football if they want to experience success in North London.

 

Verdict

Despite Arsenal’s long-term interest, you would have to think the moment has passed for the Gunners to invest in Zaha.

While his electrifying playstyle and dynamic versatility may fit the bill, the potential long-term risk of the transfer simply outweighs the rewards.

It would likely stunt the development of Arsenal’s young talents, stripping them of valuable minutes, and would probably allow promising stars like Martinelli to slip through their fingers.

If the Gunners are going to add to their squad further this summer, there are certainly more forward-thinking options on the market to consider.