Crystal Palace boss Vieira: I would be ‘crazy’ not to fight to keep hold of Chelsea target Zaha
Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira says he would be “crazy” not to want to fight to keep hold of Wilfried Zaha.
The 29-year-old has reportedly been subject to interest from Chelsea this summer, with Thomas Tuchel keen to bolster his attacking options following the departure of Romelu Lukaku.
Zaha has scored three goals for the Eagles this season – opening the scoring in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool and netting twice in the 3-1 win against Aston Villa.
The Ivorian has missed the past two games – the 2-0 EFL Cup win against Oxford and the 4-2 Premier League defeat to Manchester City – after picking up a leg injury.
Zaha, who scored 14 goals in the top-flight last season under Vieira, is entering the final year of his contract with the Eagles.
When asked if he would keep hold of Zaha, even if the academy graduate made it clear that he wanted to leave, Vieira said: “There is what I think, and then there is what the chairman [Steve Parish] thinks, and then what the player thinks.
“What I think is that Wilfried is an important player on and off the field, and I always want him to stay.
“As a manager, it would be crazy for me not to fight to keep one of our best players.”
Vieira said before the trip to the Ethiad that he wanted to add a different profile of forward to his ranks ahead of this Thursday’s transfer deadline.
The Eagles have signed one forward player this summer, with 18-year-old winger Malcolm Ebiowei arriving from Derby after his contract expired. However, South Londoner Ebiowei is expected to be used as an impact player from the bench this season.
Palace also let Christian Benteke leave the club and sign for MLS side D.C. United on a free transfer.
Pushed to expand on the type of forward he desired – and whether the game against Manchester City without Zaha showed what the Eagles were lacking – Vieira said: “One of the reflections [from the City game] is that I believe we need more pace up front.
“Having different options is always good for the manager. Without Wilfried, we were a little bit short at that side of the game, I believe.”
VIEIRA PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD
ZAHA PICTURE: PA
