Jason McAteer feels that Wilfried Zaha could replace Eden Hazard at Chelsea, after he watched the winger in action for Crystal Palace against Liverpool, but he is unsure whether the Blues would be willing to meet his asking price.
Zaha was on song when Crystal Palace took on Liverpool in the Premier League on Saturday, and though the Eagles lost 4-3, the former Manchester United man had an influential game on the left wing.
The Ivory Coast international was strongly linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur last year, but the north London side baulked at Crystal Palace’s asking price.
Zaha, who has a contract with Crystal Palace until 2023, is likely to cost at least £60m, and McAteer feels the fee might be too much of a gamble for the player, even though he feels Zaha has the ability to take over from Hazard at Chelsea.
“If it was Chelsea and Hazard went, and I am not saying he is a Hazard, but I think he could slot in there and be that player to get on the ball for them”, McAteer said after the match at Anfield on LFC TV.
“But if they go to Palace and Palace want £60m, you are thinking [should we pay that?]
“If it [the fee] was £25m you'd buy him tomorrow.
“And you don't know [if you are Chelsea] if he's that type of player to take over from Hazard.”
Zaha has made more than 300 appearances for Crystal Palace so far in his career and has managed 46 goals in the process.
