Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha has entered a 'really key time' as he mulls over whether to extend his stay at Selhurst Park and there is a 'big opportunity' for him to leave in the coming months, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The winger returned to his boyhood club for a second spell - initially on loan - in 2014, but there are serious doubts over his long-term future.

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What's the latest news involving Zaha?

Zaha is set to enter the final six months of his £130,000-per-week deal at the turn of the year, when he could sign a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club.

Although Palace are looking to keep their highest-earner on board, Patrick Vieira's side have suffered a major blow.

That is because, according to the Daily Mail, Zaha has not agreed a contract extension despite the Eagles making a bumper verbal offer.

The report suggests that talks are ongoing despite there being little prospect of the 26-cap Ivory Coast international putting pen-to-paper before January.

Chelsea have been interested in Zaha for a prolonged period of time and considered making a bid during the summer transfer window, while Arsenal were also keeping tabs and Roma boss Jose Mourinho is known to be an admirer.

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

What has Dean Jones said about Zaha?

Jones believes Zaha has reached a crucial stage as he weighs up whether to commit his future to Palace or move onto pastures new.

The journalist is aware that the Eagles will look to persuade the 29-year-old into signing on the dotted line, but Chelsea and Arsenal could make it more difficult to come to an agreement.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "It's a really key time for Zaha and, possibly, he will see the next two windows as a big opportunity to push the limits of his career a bit further.

"We know Chelsea and Arsenal have considered him, so it will be interesting to see if they would take the next step in trying to actually sign him.

"Palace should and I’m sure will do everything they can to convince him to stay though, of course."

Would Zaha's departure come as a major blow?

There is no doubt that Zaha, who is Palace's top scorer this season, would leave a huge void in the starting XI and his exit is the last thing Vieira wants right now.

The former Manchester United man has racked up more than 160 goal contributions during his two spells in south London and losing that threat in the final third of the pitch would be difficult for the Eagles to come to terms with.

Zaha is set to head to the World Cup with the Ivory Coast later this month and he could see that as an ideal opportunity to put himself in the shop window.

The signs are not looking good for Vieira, who was appointed as Palace's manager last year, but he needs to do all he can to convince the academy product to remain at Selhurst Park.

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