Duvan Zapata’s agent cannot rule out a move away from Serie A outfit Atalanta with Premier League duo Everton and West Ham United big admirers of the Colombia international, speaking to Sport Italia.
With Rasmus Hojlund and the suddenly-prolific Ademola Lookman tearing up trees in Bergamo these days, the sun appears to be setting on the Days of Duvan.
The former Napoli targetman has been the spearhead of so much Atalanta success in the Gian Piero Gasperini era; scoring 80 goals in 179 games while helping transform La Dea from mid-table also-rans into perennial Champions League chasers. But times are a-changing. And Zapata could go the way of fellow Atalanta favourites Papu Gomez, Remo Freuler and Josip Ilicic.
Zapata’s contract expires in the summer of 2024.
According to The Sunday Mirror (26th February, page 76), Atalanta may be willing to consider offers of just £10 million with Everton – who have scored just two goals from open play since October – crying out for a quality in the final third.
West Ham are another with Zapata on their radar; the veteran frontman a potential replacement for Michail Antonio with his own future uncertain.
Will Duvan Zapata end up at Everton or West Ham United?
Zapata’s agent indicates that a 12-month extension clause in his contract could still be triggered but insists that, if an acceptable offer does arrive, it will be considered.
“Duvan has a contract that expires in 2024 with a renewal option for the following season,” says Fernando Schena.
“A summer transfer? We’ll see if an offer suitable for both the player and Atalanta arrives. In which case, we will evaluate it. We will see in due course.”
Everton know from experience – Salomon Rondon anyone? – that one man’s ‘experienced’ is another’s ‘past-it’. Zapata’s 32nd birthday is coming up. Having scored just once in 17 games this season, and with hamstring injuries taking their toll, a club with their limited financial means may have reservations about spending an eight-figure sum on Zapata.
Nottingham Forest reportedly looked at the one-time Udinese man in January. Forest seem unlikely to make a new approach in the summer, however, after Chris Wood’s loan was turned into a permanent transfer.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
