Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Luke Thrower

PSG join Arsenal and Chelsea in huge transfer battle for forward as Lionel Messi replacement

PSG have joined Arsenal and Chelsea in the race to sign Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha this summer transfer window, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Ivory Coast international is set to become a free agent in the coming weeks as his contract with the Eagles nears expiry.

The 30-year-old has spent the majority of his career with Palace, where he rose through the academy ranks and into the first-team. The forward earned a move to Manchester United, but it didn't quite work out for him as he made his return to London in 2015, where he has been a key player ever since.

This season has seen Zaha battle with some absences, but in the 27 Premier League appearances he did manage, he returned seven goals and two assists. His current club were reported to have offered a new, £200,000-per-week contract, though the chances of a renewal seem slim at this stage.

That is only heightened by the presence of some elite clubs circling a potential move in the coming summer transfer window. Chelsea have long been linked with a switch as Mauricio Pochettino looks to solve the west London outfit's troubles in front of goal going into next season.

Arsenal have also been on the radar, having previously been close to landing the 30-year-old, but opting to sign Nicolas Pepe under Unai Emery instead. This summer could see them rectify that move, especially given the need for strength in depth after qualifying for the Champions League.

Atletico Madrid have also been in the mix, with Diego Simeone believed to be keen on making an approach for Zaha at the end of his contract. Interest has also come from Saudi Arabia, given the recent investment into clubs from the state's Public Investment Fund (PIF) that has seen them land stars such as Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante.

READ MORE: Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Done deal, Neymar talks, Rice boost, Gundogan twist, Saliba contract

However, the current focus appears to be surrounding a stay in Europe as Fabrizio Romano claims that PSG are now in the race to land the veteran forward. It could be a move from the Ligue 1 champions to consolidate their attacking options, having already lost Lionel Messi at the end of his contract, while Neymar has been touted with an exit too.

It remains to be seen whether PSG's involvement will impact any potential approach from Chelsea or Arsenal as a free transfer on the horizon nears.

READ NEXT:

Mikel Arteta's next Arsenal transfer priority revealed after key duo agree new contracts

Timothy Castagne to Arsenal transfer latest: Talks held, cut-price deal, Ivan Fresneda decision

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.