Chelsea have had a turbulent start to their new Premier League campaign, having won two, drawn one and lost one from their four games so far. However, their concerns go far beyond that as Thomas Tuchel’s side has just managed to score 5 goals, while conceding 6 in those four games. His attack is yet to fire all cylinders, despite the addition of Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling.
On the other hand, Chelsea have lost strikers Romelu Lukaku 0n loan to Inter and Timo Werner being sold to RB Leipzig. They could further lose wingers Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi who are looking for regular game time. Amidst their frontline on the verge of being massively depleted, the Blues have now targeted Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha for a last-minute transfer.
Chelsea eye Wilfried Zaha as their Aubameyang deal hangs on
Chelsea are in a dire need of signing a striker after the exits of Lukaku and Werner, identifying Barcelona’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as their prime target. The former Arsenal striker has a plenty of experience of plying his trade in the Premier League, racking up 68 goals and 16 assists in just 128 games. Moreover, Thomas Tuchel has already worked with the 33-year-old at Borussia Dortmund where he managed 79 goals in 95 games under the German.
While talks were progressing well with the between the two clubs over the transfer of the Gabonese, the deal is now stalled over agreeing a fee. Barcelona want €30 million for their striker, as Chelsea are reluctant to cross the mark of €20 million. As a result, the West Londoners have quickly turned their attention to the 29-year-old Zaha whose signing could be facilitated in the coming days.
Likewise Aubameyang, Wilfried Zaha too has a massive experience of playing in the Premier League, or perhaps more than that of the Barca man. Zaha has been plying trade with the Eagles since 2013, initially on a loan spell from Manchester United, before making the move permanent in 2014. He has made 267 Premier League appearances for Palace so far, tallying 64 goals and 40 assists.
Known for his pace, robust agility and dribbling skills, Zaha has often proved his mettle of deciding games on his own. This season as well, the Ivorian has already resumed his routine, with 3 goals in 3 games so far for Crystal Palace. Zaha has previously been on the radars of multiple Premier League clubs, most notably Arsenal who were close to signing him in 2019 before a change in plans saw them splash £72 million on Nicolas Pepe.
With one year left on his current deal, Zaha has often expressed his desire of joining a club who can offer him regular European football. Chelsea are believed to be heavily impressed with the winger and are ready to grab him if their move for Aubameyang continues to stall. The 29-year-old too could be interested in a switch given he will have the opportunity he was longing for, to play in the UEFA Champions League.
However, the West Londoners have set Aubameyang as their priority signing and are ready to push for him before the deadline day of September 1. But given a failure in landing the Gabon international, the Blues could quickly shift their focus on Wilfried Zaha per multiple reports.