The former Palace winger joined Turkish giants Galatasaray in the summer, putting an end to the long-running saga over his future at Selhurst Park. Zaha has enjoyed a strong start to his life in Turkey, registering seven goal contributions in 14 league games, as well as scoring against his former club Manchester United in the Champions League.
However, it is claimed that Villa have made an ‘approach’ to sign Zaha as the club reportedly ‘work hard’ to bring in a winger during the January window. While it is hard to imagine Galatasaray agreeing to part with Zaha, who signed a contract until 2026 after arriving as a free agent, Villa boss Unai Emery has previously demonstrated his admiration for the 31-year-old.
Ahead of his second season as Arsenal manager, back in 2019, Emery identified Zaha as one of his top targets. The club hierarchy, though, favoured a club-record move for Nicolas Pepe, who ultimately endured a frustrating spell with the Gunners.
Reflecting on the situation in 2020, Emery told The Guardian: “I favoured someone who knew the league and wouldn’t need to adapt. [Wilfried] Zaha won games on his own: Tottenham, Manchester City, us. Incredible performances.
“I told them: ‘This is the player I know and want.’ I met Zaha and he wanted to come. The club decided Pepe was one for the future. I said: ‘Yes, but we need to win now and this lad wins games.’ He beat us on his own.
“It’s also true he was expensive and Palace didn’t want to sell,” Emery admitted. “There were a series of decisions that had repercussions.”
Villa could look to sign a wide player this month but already have an array of options within their squad. Leon Bailey has excelled this season, as has captain John McGinn, while Jacob Ramsey is finding his feet after regaining fitness. Summer signings Moussa Diaby and Nicolo Zaniolo will also hope to continue improving as the campaign progresses.
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