By admin 
This piece is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict’ series, which offers personal opinions from FLW writers on breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings, and more…
Crystal Palace are planning a summer deal for Leeds United midfielder Wilfried Gnonto if Wilfried Zaha leaves Selhurst Park.
According to a recent story from The Mirror, the Eagles are interested in the Italian as a potential Zaha successor.
Zaha’s current contract with Palace expires at the end of the month, and he will undoubtedly be a sought-after free agent if he becomes available.
With the Gnonto connections in mind, we asked three of our FLW writers for their thoughts on the Italian’s possible move to Selhurst Park this summer.
It’s tough to conceive of a player who is better suited to take Zaha’s spot. When compared to a young Zaha, Gnonto is a similar player in terms of profile.
The Italian is obviously much shorter than the 30-year-old, but his explosiveness, close control, eagerness to attack his full-back, and ball hitting are all reminiscent of him.
The 19-year-old and Michael Olise, on the other hand, would set up Palace for many years to come, or provide them with two players who may produce a significant profit soon.
If Palace can get the Italian international at a reasonable fee, it would be a wise move.
The 19-year-old is an intriguing prospect.
Gnonto was one of only a few players that stood out in the Premier League during Leeds’ dismal season.
He is a player who, when the ball is at his feet, both frightens and delights the supporters.
When you examine the profiles of the players Crystal Palace is interested in signing and the guy he could be replacing, Wilfred Zaha, this makes perfect sense.
Gnonto isn’t perfect, but with some patience and nurture from Palace’s coaches, they might have a really excellent player on their hands if they sign the winger.
I’m always cautious when a player is referred to be a replacement for another, especially when it’s someone like Zaha.
The Ivory Coast international has been the main man at Palace for almost a decade, the team’s talisman, and has played a significant role in the club’s long-term Premier League status.
To place those expectations on a 19-year-old is far too much, and Palace should probably be aiming to reduce their reliance on one individual and make it more of a team effort if Zaha leaves.
However, seeing the signing in isolation, it would undoubtedly be amazing.
Gnonto has a lot of promise and would be joining some other young, exciting attacking alternatives at Selhurst Park, such as Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise.
If they sign him, Gnonto might not be able to make as big an effect as Zaha right away, but he has the potential to be a player who can score goals and win matches in the future.