Barcelona and Juventus have reportedly joined the race to sign Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha.
The 29-year-old’s contract runs out next summer and “the player is expected to receive lucrative offers” to leave the club in the summer once his contract expires.
The Standard has now reported that the two European clubs are “exploring a move for Wilfried Zaha” with the player yet to have his contract extended.
Both Barcelona and Juventus are quite strapped for cash and have been on the hunt for free agents. They’ve had quite an active summer window and will be “determined to keep building” next year and Zaha is said to be a perfect fit.
Palace are interested in retaining him and are even willing to make him the highest paid player in the club’s history. He currently earns £130,000 a week, but that figure will increase significantly if he decides to extend his contract at Selhurst Park. According to the report, the club has already made a ‘verbal offer’ to the player.
The report also claims that Arsenal and Chelsea are keeping an eye on Zaha, and both English clubs have the financial resources to overtake Barcelona and Juventus ‘in terms of wages’.
European clubs have an advantage over English clubs in their search for Zaha, as they are allowed to start contract talks with the player in January, while the two London clubs have to wait until the summer.
The Crystal Palace manager has also expressed his desire to keep the player at the club. vieira said:
“Wilfried knows what the club thinks of him and we know what he thinks of the club.
“There will be discussions, but for me and for the club the important thing is that he plays at this level and is constant.
“We will see what will happen. If you have a good day, the team will have a good day. He is an important player on and off the field.”