Chelsea suffer huge blow in their bid to sign Crystal Palace star in January

Chelsea target Wilfried Zaha could only leave Crystal Palace in the summer

Chelsea have indicated an interest in Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha, but they may have to reconsider their stance in January as the player is likely to stay until the summer and has not yet decided on his future.

Chelsea could have to abandon their pursuit of Zaha, according to the Athletic (Subscription Needed) (h/t Football.London).

This is a big setback to the club’s quest for the player during the January transfer window, and they could now have to search for other players to reinforce their forward line. Chelsea are now beset by injury, with nine players out for many weeks.

The addition of the 30-year-old may have provided some hope for the Blues, who have been inept in front of goal. The club has so far signed three young players, including David Datro Fofana, Andrey Santos, and Benoit Badiashile but no arrivals with regards to the frontline have been made thus far.

However, the purchase of an established player who can offer confidence is important, and the team will undoubtedly need it after only three wins in 12 games across competitions under Graham Potter.

And as the 4-0 debacle against Manchester City highlighted, the club must identify forwards who can improve the team’s fortune. The Blues have made several ineffective additions, who have failed to make a lasting impression in previous years.

Zaha could have been an option, but he is obviously not the only player out there that we can sign. Missing out on him doesn’t mean that we give up our pursuit of an attacker.

Moreover, it doesn’t mean that we are out of the running. We can still sign him as a free agent in the summer if the club retain their interest. Until then, it’s best to keep looking for world-class additions up front.

More Chelsea News:

• Chelsea are waiting to get the price to sign striker Borussia Monchengladbach Marcus Thuram
• Manchester United make first move to sign Chelsea target Joao Felix
• Chelsea will persist with Graham Potter even if he fails to deliver a top-four finish

Marcus Thuram is currently on Chelsea’s radar, and if the Blues can close the deal in January, they will have a decent striker until the end of the season and beyond.