There have been rumours that Wilfried Zaha wants to leave Crystal Palace for Arsenal, but if he does leave, who could Palace target as his replacement?
Quality should be replaced with quality and not quantity. If Zaha goes for a hefty fee, Palace should take a chunk of that money and replace him with one top-quality wide man.
Allan Saint-Maxmin is one player that Palace reportedly have their eye on. The youngster is a brilliant dribbler and has lots of potential.
He looks like a perfect replacement for Zaha, however, the 22-year-old’s end product isn’t as good as the Ivorian’s.
The Frenchman would definitely improve under Roy Hodgson’s guidance.
He scored six last season in Ligue 1 and could cost Palace around €25 million.
Another option for the Eagles could be fellow Ivory Coast international Maxwel Cornet.
Cornet is a pacey winger who can cause havoc for opposing defenders.
He scored seven goals and provided four assists last season in Ligue 1 for Lyon.
Cornet is also happy to defend when needed and his high work-rate suits Palace’s style of play. Watford have reportedly been keeping tabs on him for a while now and the 22-year-old could also cost around €25 million.
The final wide option Palace could consider moving for is Barcelona’s Malcom.
Malcom left Bordeaux for Barcelona last year for around €40 million but didn’t have a great season at the Nou Camp.
Selhurst Park could well be the perfect place to revive his career. The Brazilian is a tricky winger and could provide the assists and goals which Palace are craving for if they lose Zaha.
The 22-year-old is wanted by both Arsenal and Everton, however, with Palace guaranteeing him a regular starting spot, they could well be able to land the impressive wide man.
