Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira has already dismissed previous Wilfried Zaha transfer speculation and said he was confident that his talisman will stay until the expiry of his current deal next summer at the very latest amid fresh Chelsea transfer rumours.
Zaha is the latest name to appear on Todd Boehly and Thomas Tuchel's transfer list as the Blues weigh up their options in attack amid interest in Cristiano Ronaldo, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and other attackers across the European spectrum. While focus will be on negotiating for Leicester's Wesley Fofana in defence, the club have some time to weigh up all their options in terms of midfield and attacking targets as Boehly is expected to be a very busy man ahead of the September 1 deadline with spending forecast in the £300million region.
The weekend's victory against Everton demonstrated once again why Raheem Sterling on his own will likely not be enough to solve the attacking woes that have been present under the Tuchel regime. "In general, it was maybe not the most exciting Premier League game in the history of the Premier League. Seven minutes of extra time in the first half, ten minutes in the second half tell the story. There were a lot of interruptions, no team could find a rhythm," manager Tuchel said in his post-match press conference.
READ MORE: Todd Boehly given 'green light' to sign £85m Wesley Fofana amid Kalidou Koulibaly Chelsea issue
"Everton defended deep in the first half and we struggled with switching the play, we struggled to feel the moments to change speed. It seemed like we did not want to do a decisive mistake so we did not take the risk that is needed in the final 25 metres to open a space up.
"But in general it was ok. Second half we did not have enough movement on the ball and that created a lot of ball losses from which we suffered and the game was stuck in between the halves. It wasn't in our half or their half. So in the first away match, you hang in and do what you need to keep a clean sheet and get the win."
According to talkSPORT, Chelsea are being encouraged to make a move for the Eagles' number 11 with the player in question thought to be keen on this big move at this stage of his footballing career following the failed spell at Man United.
But is a Zaha transfer this late on realistic for Chelsea? With only one year remaining on his current deal which could lead to a stronger negotiating position for the west Londoners, manager Vieira has already insisted that the Ivorian will not leave Palace this summer.
"It’s just a report I think," Vieira said on Zaha transfer speculation back in July via the Evening Standard. "We are in a period where there is a lot of speculation regarding players. What is really important for me and the football club is that Wilfried Zaha came back on time and he is working well to have a good season.
"What goes on in the papers, it is difficult for us to control. What I know is that he is happy in our football club and he is looking forward to the new season at our football club."
Chelsea fans: should the club steer away from a Wilfried Zaha signing? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!
READ NEXT:
Frenkie de Jong 'close' to accepting Chelsea transfer as Dortmund chase Bayern project
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest updates and rumours from Stamford Bridge
Full Chelsea Premier League fixture list for 2022/23
Thomas Tuchel and Chelsea face fresh questions after summer of change
Wesley Fofana sends fresh Chelsea transfer statement after Brendan Rodgers Leicester call
