Everton plan to hold fresh negotiations with Atalanta over the potential transfer of Duvan Zapata. The Toffees are keen to sign the Colombia striker to bolster Frank Lampard’s team.
That is according to Fabrizio Romano, who reports that Goodison Park chiefs are targeting a difficult deal in January. Everton are hopeful of securing a loan transfer for Zapata, which includes an option to buy. But Atalanta are only inclined to allow his permanent departure.
Everton have put forward the possibility of a loan-to-buy operation to Atalanta in previous discussions over Zapata’s availability. But their pursuit fell flat owing to La Dea’s desire for a permanent deal to grant any transfer. So, the Toffees now plan to hold new negotiations.
Everton are not alone in courting the transfer of Atalanta star Zapata
Multiple Premier League teams are looking to sign Zapata this January, however. As well as Everton, Calciomercato reports that around half of the English top-flight are exploring bids. Nottingham Forest are showing the strongest rival interest after they launched an enquiry.
It further notes the Gewiss Stadium club’s objection to a loan move with an option to buy. But Atalanta may consider allowing Zapata to leave Bergamo in January on loan providing it carries an obligation to buy. He is a key player in their side but has suffered with injuries.
The 31-year-old has only managed to appear in 12 of La Dea’s 18 Serie A fixtures so far this season. He has further only started in eight games after missing six with a hamstring injury in September and October. Zapata has also only managed to net one and assist two goals.
West Ham may be about to pull out of the race to sign Zapata in January
A potential January transfer for Zapata interests Everton as he has proven with Atalanta in seasons past his attacking prowess. The 34-cap Colombia star has never scored fewer than 10 goals in a Serie A term at the club. His 10 in 24 games last term was also his lowest haul.
West Ham United have also explored a move to sign Zapata in January, per the Daily Mail. The Irons joined Lampard in holding talks with Atalanta, who demanded £25m to sell their striker. But Sky Sports now reports West Ham are set to sign Danny Ings from Aston Villa.
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