Alasdair Gold gives his thoughts on whether Spurs could move for Zaha

Alasdair Gold has predicted that Tottenham Hotspur might see Wilfried Zaha as an ‘attractive’ idea, given that the winger’s contract at Crystal Palace runs out in the summer. 

Reports over the last two months have indicated that Antonio Conte wishes to sign an attacker in January to replace Bryan Gil, who is expected to be loaned out.

Over recent weeks, the likes of Marcus Thuram (90 min), Cody Gakpo (Wettfreunde), Adama Traore (90 min), Ruslan Malinovskyi (Sport Mediaset) and Mohammed Kudus (Calciomercato.it) have all been mooted as potential targets for the North London club.

There has not been much suggestion that Spurs are eyeing a deal for Zaha in January, even though the Lilywhites have been linked with the Palace star many times over the years, including most recently during the summer (The Athletic).

Gold has now suggested that although Spurs might be tempted by the Ivory Coast international’s contract situation, the player’s age might discourage Antonio Conte’s men from pursuing him.

The journalist said on a Q&A on Football.London: “Zaha has been linked with Spurs in every transfer window, but it’s never been a deal that’s seemingly ever come close to becoming a reality.

“His contract situation will become attractive for Tottenham with just six months remaining but at 30 years old, he’s edging away from being the usual profile of signing they’d go for, especially with the contract he would require.

“Ivan Perisic did break away from that mould, which means you can never say never, but when it comes to Premier League free transfers, foreign clubs often hold the advantage because they can speak to players from January.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I suspect that Zaha wants to run down his contract at Selhurst Park and leave on a free transfer next summer. That way, he will have more options to choose from and will be able to demand a higher salary.

Besides, I am not sure that he would view Tottenham as his ideal destination, given that he enjoys playing on the left of a front three – a position that both Son and Richarlison are quite comfortable in.

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