FC Barcelona and their financial struggles are not unknown to the footballing world. Having spent a lot of money to sign the likes of Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Frenck Kessie in the summer, they now find themselves short of funds and much in need of further strengthening ahead of a crucial January window and the upcoming summer window.

As it stands, the club are keen on purchasing a few free agents who will be running out of contract in the upcoming summer. They could potentially approach the respective players and clubs to purchase them in the upcoming winter window for a cut-short fee.

The Blaugrana have been linked with several such players already like N’Golo Kante, Jorginho, Inigo Martinez, and Youssoufa Moukoko, among several others.

However, the one player in Xavi Hernandez’s wish list that has emerged as a surprise for many is that of Crystal Palace winger Wilfred Zaha.

The former Manchester United player has been rejecting new contract offers from Crystal Palace in a bid to make a big move in the upcoming summer. Earlier last summer, Palace had rejected a bid in excess of 40 million pounds from Arsenal.

Zaha has been at the London club since returning from his ill-fated stint at the Red Devils. During his time at Selhurst Park, the 30-year-old attacker has established himself as a reliable winger with good productivity in front of goal. The Ivory Coast footballer had scored 17 times last season across all competitions and has managed to find the back of the net six times in 15 matches this term, while registering two assists as well.

Barcelona are eyeing to garner his services on a free deal when the player will be without a club in the summer of 2023. The Catalan giants currently have some good young names on the wings like Ferran Torres, Ansu Fati and they also have the experience of Ousmane Dembele, but the addition of Zaha could strengthen their case.

Barcelona are currently on top of the La Liga table, but have lost their advantage against Real Madrid and currently are ahead only on goal difference. They have, however, shown great discipline defensively, conceding just six goals (best in Europe’s top five).