Duván Zapata may not be a name that most Premier League fans will be aware of, but he could be a player who could be a star in England’s top division next season.
The prolific striker, who had a great season in Serie A with Atalanta, might be on his way to England with Crystal Palace linked with the Colombian.
Zapata is on loan from Sampdoria, and Atalanta have the option to make it a permanent move, before selling him to another club for a profit.
The Sun (Via HITC), claim that Roy Hodgson may make a move for the striker if Christian Benteke leaves the club, and Zapata would be available for £15 million.
Zapata, who is on a two-year loan from Sampdoria, scored 22 goals in Serie A – the second highest in the season after veteran striker Fabio Quagliarella. Krzysztof Piątek and Cristiano Ronaldo followed him in the goal-scoring charts with 22 goals and 21 goals respectively.
The striker has had quite the journey in Italy, having played for Napoli and Sampdoria, with loan spells at Udinese and now at Atalanta.
His 22 goals and 7 assists have helped Atalanta to 3rd in the table, tied on points with Inter Milan with one game to go. If they finish 3rd in the league, it will be Atalanta’s highest-ever finish in Italy’s top flight.
Is Zapata the right player for Hodgson?
Zapata could have played in the English Premier League way back in 2013, even before his move to Italy, as West Ham United had agreed terms and a deal was to be finalised, but was scuppered because Zapata could not get a work permit.
Strong and powerful, Zapata comes alive in the penalty box with his lethal finishing and his ability to sort his feet out quickly to rifle in a shot on goal. He can also beat a player for pace when he occasionally drifts wide to put in crosses for his teammates.
At 6’2″, Zapata is strong in the air, and has scored a few headers for Atalanta this season, and is also a dependable penalty taker.
If Benteke does leave Palace, Zapata could be an able replacement for him in the team. It remains to be seen if Zapata can adapt to the rigours of the Premier League, and critics may also say that he has performed very well in just one season – the current one – while he has been average in other seasons.