Tottenham may have ‘clever’ Zaha plan but star urged to join Arsenal

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Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha will have a host of clubs battling for his signature in the summer as the forward’s contract at Selhurst Park is up at the end of the season, as both Arsenal and Tottenham have been linked with the Ivory Coast international on a free transfer. The 30-year-old may feel that he is in need of a new challenge after making over 350 appearances for the south London club, and will have a decision to make ahead of next season.

Zaha will have to weigh up the pros and cons of both Spurs and Arsenal, as Antonio Conte has been tipped to make a “clever” move for the forward but to also turn him into a wing-back.

The Italian has successfully converted several wingers into defenders, most notably Victor Moses and Ivan Perisic, and ex-Spurs and England goalkeeper Paul Robinson has tipped him to do the same with Zaha.

“There will be a lot of clubs in the mix for Zaha because he has done so well,” Robinson told Football Insider. “He has to take the next step in his career now. I know it didn’t work out at Man United but he is a different player now. He has been brilliant for Crystal Palace.

“Champions League football is the next step up and the next challenge for him. If Spurs are in the mix for him, I think it might be with a view to him playing as a left wing-back. [Ryan] Sessegnon and Perisic have done well but Zaha would be another great option.

“I think that would be a clever move. There is also the possibility of Lucas Moura leaving so there is definitely room for Zaha at Spurs. He would provide serious competition for places.” Despite the possibility of moving to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, ex-Leeds striker Noel Whelan believes that Mikel Arteta’s side would be a better fit for Zaha.

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“It comes down to his personal choice between Arsenal and Tottenham,” Whelan told Football Insider. “There’s been growth from both sides in the last couple of years. You could probably see him more as an Arsenal-type player because of that attacking brand of football.

“Conte’s style is more defensive, more counter-attacking. There’s a bit more of a flow to Arsenal’s game, which would probably suit Zaha more than Tottenham. Where would I see him benefit and have more success? Probably at Arsenal under Arteta.”

Arsenal have been linked with another forward option in January as Shakhtar Donetsk’s Mykhailo Mudryk could be set for a move to the Emirates following Gabriel Jesus’ injury, which would add more significant competition for places at Arsenal for Zaha.

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