Head coach Patrick Vieira says that he expects Wilfried Zaha to remain at Crystal Palace for 2022-23.
Head coach Patrick Vieira feels that Wilfried Zaha‘s love for Crystal Palace will see him reject any chances to leave the club over the coming week.
The winger has been frequently linked with a move away from Selhurst Park for a number of transfer windows with clubs from the Premier League and abroad having expressed an interest.
That has particularly been true in recent months courtesy of the 29-year-old’s contract being due to expire at the end of 2022-23.
In the past, Palace and Zaha may have been open to a mutual parting of the ways, with the Eagles looking to receive a lucrative transfer fee and the Ivory Coast international being keen for a fresh challenge.
However, speaking to reporters at a press conference on Friday, Vieira has suggested that it is highly likely that Zaha will continue to represent Palace for the remainder of the year at the very least.
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The Frenchman said: “Last year there was a lot of speculation but I think you’re always going to have this kind of conversation in the window because of the quality of the player he is.
“We have to deal with it. He’s started the season very well and when the team is playing well, he is one of the talented players that is going to shine.
“He is an important player on and off the field. You can see the love the fans show him. He came through the system and loves being at this football club – there’s no reason why that should change.”
Zaha has enjoyed a strong start to the season with Palace, contributing three goals from the same amount of appearances in the top flight.
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After netting Palace’s goal in a 1-1 draw at Liverpool, Zaha chipped in with a double as the London outfit earned a 3-1 triumph against Aston Villa last weekend.
In two spells at Selhurst Park, Zaha has contributed a total of 86 goals and 73 assists from 433 appearances in all competitions.
Chelsea and Roma have been among the sides who have been linked with Zaha in recent weeks, aware that the attacker may be available for a cut-price fee.
As it stands, however, Zaha appears likely to continue to play for Palace in what is his 13th season associated with the club.