Why Antonio could be a solid replacement for Zaha at Crystal Palace
According to Daily Express, Arsenal are set to go back in for Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha in January.
The Gunners missed out on signing Zaha in the summer, and ultimately went for Nicolas Pepe to strengthen their attack. It was expected that Pepe’s arrival at the Emirates would end the Gunners’ links with Zaha.
However, the report claims that the Ivory Coast international is back on Arsenal’s wishlist for the New Year.
This season, Zaha has scored twice and provided two assists. The 27-year-old remains Crystal Palace’s main attacking outlet, although he hasn’t had a great 2019/20 season so far.
Over the past few seasons, the Ivorian has proven that he is a lethal threat in the Premier League, improving significantly since his ill-fated spell with Manchester United.
Should Zaha leave Selhurst Park in January, Roy Hodgson will have to bring in a replacement. Keeping that in mind, the Eagles should target West Ham’s Michail Antonio.
Back in June, the Sun had claimed Crystal Palace were interested in signing Michail Antonio, but West Ham were keen to keep hold of the attacker. The 29-year-old, who arrived at West Ham from Nottingham Forest back in 2015, had a solid 2018/19 campaign at the London Stadium, scoring seven goals and creating as many.
Just like the last few seasons, he has endured injury problems this time around as well and despite missing the majority of the campaign so far, Antonio has firmly established himself as one of the Hammers most important players.
Palace have struggled for goals this season. Even though they find themselves in the top half of the table after the completion of 16 games. Hodgson must add more firepower to his attack if he’s to achieve a top-eight spot this season. And someone in the mould of Antonio could make an instant impact at Selhurst Park.
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With the Palace forwards struggling for goals, Antonio could reduce the burden off their shoulders and improve the overall quality of Hodgson’s attack. The Palace boss plays a counter-attacking style of football with quick players and therefore, the 29-year-old Englishman would be able to quickly adapt to the tactics.
Verdict
With a vast experience of playing in the Premier League, Antonio’s versatility to play in various positions across the front-line would make him such a handy player for Hodgson. Therefore, the Eagles must sign him as soon as the winter window opens.