Newcastle United are reportedly plotting a January swoop for Atalanta striker Duvan Zapata, as Eddie Howe eyes further reinforcements.
The Magpies have been one of the busiest Premier League clubs in the winter transfer window, signing Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood from Atletico Madrid and Burnley respectively. Despite the acquisition of Wood, they want another striker to come in at St. James’ Park before January 31.
According to the Daily Record, Newcastle United have made an offer of over €30million for Atalanta star Duvan Zapata. While Atalanta are ready to sell their striker, they are looking for a bid in the region close to around €45, the report adds.
Duvan Zapata, 30, initially joined Atalanta on a two-year loan deal from Napoli with a buy option in the summer of 2018. After scoring 47 goals during his two seasons on loan at Bergamo, Atalanta exercised their option to sign the Colombian international in 2020.
The 30-year-old helped Gian Piero Gasperini’s side finish third in the Serie A table last season with 18 goals in 28 appearances. Zapata has followed that up with nine strikes in 16 Serie A appearances so far, thus, catching the eye of Newcastle United, who view the Atalanta star as an alternative target should they fail to sign Benfica striker Darwin Nunez.
Duvan Zapata to Newcastle United—A smashing signing for the Toon Army?
Newcastle United currently sit 19th in the table, two points adrift of the drop zone following their 1-1 draw against fellow relegation strugglers Watford last weekend, and one does get the feeling that they will need to enjoy a brilliant run in the second half of the campaign to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
A return of 20 goals in as many games doesn’t offer a good reading for the wealthiest club in world football that has ambitions to challenge for the top prize in England in the next few years. And while Eddie Howe has failed to plug the goals conceded rate at the club, he seems to be set on playing to his strengths and aims to outscore the other teams near the bottom of the table.
Despite having Chris Wood now, adding a player of Duvan Zapata’s qualities could well go a long way towards maintaining their status as a Premier League club.
Standing at 6ft 3ins tall, Zapata is a battering ram of a striker blessed with an abundance of pace, power and physicality. Due to his raw pace, he is a terrifying striker to defend against and his aerial ability makes him an asset in the box. The Colombian international can run down the channels, play with his back to goal, hold the ball up and bring others into the game.
The ex-Napoli man has the required attributes to thrive amidst the rigours of Premier League football. While he has no prior experience in England, Zapata’s 94 Serie A goals in 218 appearances, including 65 goals in 118 appearances for Atalanta, give Newcastle reasons to take a punt on him should they fail to land Darwin Nunez.
All in all, if the Magpies are serious about signing Duvan Zapata, they must meet Atalanta’s valuation for their key player as quickly as possible.