West Ham United have had a bid of €40m for Duvan Zapata rejected by Serie A outfit Atalanta, it has been reported by CalcioMercato.
The Hammers have blown hot and cold this season under the tutelage of Manuel Pellegrini. They are tenth in the Premier League table, having collected 31 points from 23 games.
Following their 1-0 win at home over Arsenal, they were defeated o-2 at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday, which is the latest testimony to their inconsistency.
Considering the investment made in the summer, the London based outfit must be aiming for a finish inside the top-six places in the league standings.
But it seems the manager has to focus on a bit more than just tactics and execution. Pellegrini has been rocked by Marko Arnautovic’s links with Chinese clubs. If not in this transfer window, Arnautovic is expected to leave at the end of the season.
Irrespective of whether Arnautovic stays or not, Pellegrini should sign an experienced goalscorer.
Duvan Zapata: Profile
Having started his senior career with the Colombian outfit America de Cali back in his country, Zapata switched to Estudiantes before moving to Napoli in the summer of 2013.
However, Zapata struggled to cement his place in the starting line-up was shipped out on loan, initially to Udinese and then to Sampdoria. Eventually, Sampdoria signed him permanently.
In the summer transfer window, the 27-year-old joined Atalanta on a two-season long loan deal with an option to make the move permanent.
He has been in a blistering form this season, having mustered 14 goals in 20 Serie A appearances. Along with Sampdoria’s Fabio Quagliarella and Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo, Zapata is the joint leading goalscorer in the Italian top flight this term.
Why Zapata is worth the fuss
Zapata is a strong centre-forward, and has shown good composure in front of goal. The 27-year old is commendable in the air, and with his ability to drive forward often creates havoc in the final third.
The Colombian international holds the ball well up front and brings his teammates into the equation, and thereby has the know-how to create space which would come in handy for the likes of Samir Nasri, Robert Snodgrass and Felipe Anderson.
Zapata might not have any previous Premier League experience, but he certainly has the tools to succeed.
Statistics Credits: Whoscored
