Three reasons Tottenham must break the bank to sign 24-year-old as talks reportedly begin
COMMENT By Matt Farr
Tottenham and Wilfried Zaha could be a match made in heaven.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side are not exactly short of attacking talent, with Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli and Son Heung-Min fronting a resurgent attacking display from the club this season.
However, Pochettino could see options improve in the wider areas, with few quality outright wingers at his disposal.
But time could fast be running out for Tottenham to complete a deal for the 24-year-old wing wizard this summer, after it was claimed Crystal Palace had opened talks with the player over a new contract.
Sky Sports revealed on their official Twitter account on Wednesday afternoon that Zaha’s representatives had begun talks with the club, but here are three reasons why Tottenham must throw their hat into the ring.
Erik Lamela
Tottenham have spent much of the season without the services of Erik Lamela, who has been sidelined with injury.
It was revealed by the club on Twitter that the Argentine winger had undergone surgery on his right hip, but that it would not impact upon his current recovery bid.
However, Tottenham simply cannot afford to put all their chips on Lamela becoming a key asset when he returns to full fitness, and they should instead turn their attention to Zaha.
Lamela could take considerable to re-discover his best form, and with a lack of quality alternatives in Moussa Sissoko and Georges-Kevin N’Koudou, Zaha would be a much more reliable option for Pochettino.
Unquestionable talent
Zaha has talent, there is no question about that. Fans will be aware of his failed spell at Manchester United, but the winger was still young, and he’s learned a lot since.
The wing wizard has seven goals and 11 assists for Crystal Palace this term, and his pace, goalscoring ability, and creative spark could be of great use to Tottenham.
Given the current form of Son, Alli and Eriksen, it could be difficult to see where Zaha could fit into the starting eleven, but with Spurs returning to the Champions League once again next season, rotation will be key.
Get one over their rivals
Tottenham have finished above north London rivals Arsenal in the Premier League this season, having secured a second-placed finish.
That also sees them placed ahead of Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United.
Meanwhile, they came close to beating Chelsea to the Premier League title, only to fall short at the final hurdle. But signing Zaha could hand them a precious victory over their rivals.
Tottenham won’t be the only club in for Zaha this summer, and should contract talks fail, there could well be a fiercely-contested game of tug-of-war set to take place.
A player of Zaha’s quality could also give them the missing edge they need to pip their rivals to silverware next season, so why waste such an opportunity.
In other Tottenham transfer news, Chelsea are set to hijack a move from a Champions League rival to sign this £40m-rated Spurs ace.
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