Shades of Zaha: Crystal Palace join race for £22m Champions League forward
Crystal Palace have now joined the race to sign a “fantastic” £22m forward, who is pushing to leave his current club in the January transfer window.
Palace looking to sign Zaha-esque forward
No player has scored more Premier League goals for Palace than Wilfried Zaha, who found the back of the net 68 times in the top flight, prior to leaving to join Galatasaray back in 2023.
Since the winger moved on, the Eagles have been enjoying the most successful period in their history, winning their first-ever major trophy courtesy of a 1-0 FA Cup final victory against Manchester City last season, which means they are now in the midst of a maiden European campaign.
However, Oliver Glasner could arguably do with a player like Zaha, given that Jean-Philippe Mateta is way out in front at the top of the South Londoners’ goalscoring charts, having scored seven in the Premier League, with right-back Daniel Munoz and Ismaila Sarr tied in second place on just three.
Chelsea join Daniel Munoz race as Crystal Palace star reveals true "dream" move
The Blues know all about his quality.
ByTom Cunningham
Last week, Crystal Palace made contact over a deal for Tottenham Hotspur forward Brennan Johnson, and another exciting British winger is now being targeted, according to a report from Caught Offside, which states they have now joined the race for Chelsea’s Tyrique George.
George is pushing to leave the Blues during the January transfer window, with the winger looking to ‘accelerate his development’ elsewhere, having been a sporadic member of Enzo Maresca’s starting XI’s this season.
Palace’s London rivals are said to be holding out for £22m for the 19-year-old, with a whole host of English clubs now queuing up to secure his signature, including Leeds United, Everton, Fulham and Southampton, while RB Leipzig and AS Roma headline the interest from abroad.
"Fantastic" George catching the eye in Europe
Although consistent game time has been limited, the Englishman has impressed when given the opportunity, with scout Jacek Kulig hailing him for scoring his first Champions League goal in Chelsea’s 5-1 victory against Ajax earlier this season.
Kulig has also praised the teenager for his pace, creativity and shooting abilities, while likening him to Zaha and Tottenham Hotspur legend Son Heung-min.
With Chelsea signing the likes of Jamie Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho in the summer, it would make sense for the left-winger, who is also capable of playing at centre-forward, to move on in January.
£22m seems like a fair fee for George, given the level of some of his performances this season, and Selhurst Park may be an attractive destination, with Palace currently fighting for Europe.