With Harry Kane’s exit talks ramping up, the longstanding rumours of Wilfried Zaha being sold to Tottenham have resurfaced.
Zaha has been linked to Spurs for years, but a deal didn’t materialize for a number of reason. The asking price was way too high and Kane’s presence negated the need for another first-choice forward.
The Express today reported that Spurs might be able to secure Zaha’s signature for £40 million. Goal was today’s originator of the speculation, so is there any veracity to the rumour?
While Zaha is comfortable as an out-and-out striker, he is also seen as an attacking wide player. Football.london rightly states that Spurs are stacked in that area and have no need for another £40 million man to come and keep the furniture warm on the sideline.
But if Kane leaves, Zaha is the type of talented forward Spurs will require to lead the front line.
And £40 million is a fair price. Long gone are the days Crystal Palace can demand upward of £70 million for their primary asset. His value had degraded in recent years, both due to inconsistency and a rash of injuries that have limited his playing time.
The Ivory Coast international scored 11 goals in 30 appearances this season, not exactly the output Spurs demand of their lone forward. Though logic leads one to think he’d score more goals in front of a more creative attacking force. Then again, Spurs without Kane’s prolific contribution would have significantly diminished goal return.
While £40 million is a fair price for Zaha, Spurs could also use those funds to bolster their current defensive situation. Contrastingly, if Kane does depart Hotspur Way, finding a proficient forward catapults, aside from sourcing a marshal to lead the backline, to the top of the transfer priority list.
Zaha’s injury history, however, also decreases his overall appeal.
Though I’m still unconvinced Zaha is the man for the job, he is, at the moment, certainly worth considering.