Newcastle United have made a final bid to sign Atalanta attacker Duvan Zapata, with the Toon launching an offer that could cost as much as £43m if accepted.
According to the Daily Star via the Daily Express, Newcastle’s Public Investment Fund owners (PIF) are desperate to bring in an extra forward before the end of the transfer window, with Zapata the striker the club have identified to sign.
The 34-cap Colombian international has been one of Serie A’s best goalscorers in recent years, with the Atalanta marksman playing a key role in the club’s rise in both the domestic league as well as in Europe.
Zapata and Atalanta have competed in the UEFA Champions League in the past three seasons, and now, Newcastle are eyeing a last-ditch effort to sign the former Sampdoria star this January.
Indeed, the striker has been a consistent goalscorer in one of Europe’s best leagues. And for Newcastle, Zapata could be an ideal player to lead the line for this season, and the deal proposed could tempt Atalanta into selling.
As per the report, Newcastle will pay £8m just to loan the attacker for the campaign, with the Toon then ready to offer £35m for the South American superstar, a deal totalling £43m and one that could be a club record for the Magpies.
Atalanta could accept last-minute Newcastle offer for Zapata
Goals have been a rarity for Newcastle this season, and whilst the signing of Chris Wood could improve their form up-front, there’s no denying that Zapata would be an elite option to have, and Atalanta could accept a deal.
After all, Zapata is now in his 30s, and Atalanta could find a younger replacement for the Colombian international, who no doubt is worth more now than he ever will be for the Serie A side.
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