Barcelona have now joined Arsenal and Liverpool in the race to sign Wilfried Zaha from Crystal Palace.
That is according to the Evening Standard, who believe Xavi wants the Ivory Coast international at the Camp Nou, despite Mikel Arteta and Jürgen Klopp also hoping to sign the 29-year-old.
It was 90min who revealed that Arsenal want Zaha, whereas Calciomercato claimed Liverpool are keen.
Barcelona join Arsenal & Liverpool in Zaha battle
Well, the Crystal Palace No.11’s contract expires at the end of the current campaign, and some of Europe’s elite are sensing an opportunity to secure themselves a bargain.
David Ornstein of The Athletic believes the Ivorian will leave Selhurst Park, despite the Daily Mail claiming that the south Londoners have offered their talisman a pay rise in a bid to keep him in SE25.
The Evening Standard believe Juventus – known for snapping up free transfers such as Paul Pogba, Andrea Pirlo and Dani Alves – are also interested.
It is also said that those at the Camp Nou view Zaha as the perfect fit for Barcelona, due to his combination of direct running and smart finishing.
The £130,000-a-week man enjoyed the best goalscoring campaign of his entire career under Patrick Vieira last season, netting 15 goals in all competitions.
Zaha has continued his fine form this term, scoring five goals in 11 Premier League games so far.
Barcelona may struggle to compete with Arsenal & Liverpool
Interestingly, the Evening Standard hint that finances are set to play a big part in this transfer battle.
As has been well documented, Barcelona are in a bit of a financial crisis, hence why they are scouring the free agent market.
The Evening Standard believe they will not be able to match the salary offers coming from those in the Premier League, although they, as well as Juventus, can discuss a pre-contract agreement with Zaha in January.
That luxury is only for overseas clubs, so technically, Arsenal and Liverpool cannot officially strike such an agreement this winter, although they can surely lay down the groundwork with a verbal offer.
Keep an eye on this situation going into 2023, as there is set to be a fight for Zaha.
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