Wilfried Zaha set for Premier League return with West Ham United, Crystal Palace waiting
West Ham United have been given a boost in their bid to sign Wilfried Zaha after Galatasaray told clubs that the winger is “on the market”, according to The Mirror.
The British news outlet reported via its website on 29 June that with the Turkish club struggling to afford the Ivorian’s £300,000-per-week salary, they are willing to sell Zaha back to a Premier League club for a “nominal fee”.
Galatasaray are expected to take a financial hit regardless of where Zaha ends up this summer, with the Hammers, Tottenham and his former side Crystal Palace all interested in signing the 31-year-old.
It remains to be seen how a financial package for Zaha is complied if he makes a move to East London, with the forward likely to either take a significant wage cut or have his contract paid off by Galatasaray [Fanatik, 14 June].
Wilfried Zaha could still do a job for West Ham United
At face value, the Irons would seem to be at the back of the three-team queue to sign Zaha this summer, making it even more of a coup if they manage to beat both Tottenham and Palace to his signature [Fotomac, 19 June].
Like Galatasaray, Spurs will be playing on the continent next season, and with the Ivorian having featured in the 2023/24 Europa League, he may want a move that guarantees European football going forward.
Similarly, there’s also a highly sentimental factor in a potential return to Selhurst Park, with Zaha having made his name and become a club icon during 13 seasons at Palace.
However, with the Hammers on the hunt for attacking reinforcements this summer, Julen Lopetegui’s side could do much worse than signing a versatile forward with a proven Premier League track record [Fotospor, 2 June].
Zaha may be on the wrong side of 30 now – similar to current Irons strikers Michail Antonio and Danny Ings – but he could still have plenty to give in a new-look Hammers attack next season for the right price.
In other West Ham news, Flynn Downes’ stance on a summer move to Southampton has emerged as talks continue over a transfer.
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