In a new series of articles, FantasySports.co.uk will analyse the likely formation and performance impact that players would have on some of the Premier League’s greatest clubs. Today, we ask the question: ‘How could Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha fit in at Arsenal?’
Our analysis series is to assist Fantasy Premier League managers in understanding the impact Wilfried Zaha could have at the Emirates.
Analysis: How could Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha fit in at Arsenal?
Sky Sports reported on Monday that Arsenal launched a £40 million bid for Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha. The forward had been linked to Arsenal previously and hopes are high at the Emirates that Zaha will join the Gunners this summer.
Zaha has already had one high-profile move in his career. In January 2013, Manchester United paid £10m for Zaha but was loaned back to Crystal Palace until the end of the season.
Once at Old Trafford, Zaha spent just six months at the club before manager David Moyes sent him to Cardiff City on loan.
Zaha played just four times for Manchester United and re-joined Crystal Palace in 2014.
Now, having played five seasons at Crystal Palace since his return to Selhurst Park, Zaha could be on the move to Arsenal. But what has changed and will he be able to succeed under Unai Emery?
Zaha has scored 53 goals and tallied 63 assists in 323 games in all competitions for Crystal Palace. The forward would provide Arsenal with a winger with pace and the ability to make passes to Alexandre Lacazette.
With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on one side and Zaha on the other, Arsenal would have pace on both flanks. They would also have two players capable of creating and scoring goals.
Will Wilfried Zaha arrive at Arsenal?
Zaha grew up as an Arsenal fan and a move to the Emirates would suit him personally. Crystal Palace are most likely uninterested in selling unless the Gunners double their initial bid.
Manchester United have a 25% sell-on clause, so £10m of a £40m sale would go to the Red Devils. In addition, Crystal Palace have already parted ways with Aaron Wan-Bissaka to Manchester United.
Zaha could still arrive at the Emirates but it may take Arsenal more than one bid to land him.
Last summer, Zaha signed a new contract at Crystal Palace prior to bagging 10 goals and 10 assists in 34 Premier League games. His consistency from year to year would give Arsenal a player that can continually provide goals and assists.
He can also be a creative replacement for the recently departed Aaron Ramsey.
Last season, Zaha scored 143 Fantasy Premier League points. It was his second-best career FPL total. Those numbers could grow even more at the Emirates.
His move would be a massive loss for Crystal Palace but it would be Arsenal’s FPL gain. Fantasy managers could get big points returns from Zaha even if he remains at Crystal Palace.
