Atalanta have rejected Newcastle United’s opening offer to sign Duvan Zapata on loan, but expect the Magpies will now return with a second bid for the Colombian striker’s transfer.
That’s according to 90min, who report talks between the Serie A and Premier League sides are still ongoing. Newcastle have turned to the Italian top-flight in their bid to afford Eddie Howe further attacking reinforcements, as he seeks to secure their English top-flight status.
United submitted an initial offer to loan Zapata for the rest of the season with an obligation to purchase. The Toon are ready to pay £8m for the temporary deal with £30m on offer for his permanent arrival. But the Magpies want the obligation to depend on their survival bid.
Atalanta, however, want Zapata to make a permanent transfer this summer, irrespective of what division Newcastle are in next season. United are currently unwilling to offer such but La Dea expect the Toon will return with a second bid. Talks also remain ongoing for a deal.
Obligation terms last hurdle in Newcastle bid to seal Atalanta, Zapata transfer
Newcastle will be reluctant to commit to a possible £38m transfer with Atalanta for Zapata if they must trigger a permanent clause irrespective of their potential relegation this season.
But Howe has set his eyes on the 30-year-old as the Toon seemingly feel he can boost their survival hopes. Zapata has scored 12 goals and provided seven assists in 22 outings in all competitions so far this term. Nine of his goals and five assists have also come in Serie A.
Zapata also scored three during the Champions League group stage, coming once against Manchester United, Young Boys and Villarreal respectively. Yet his efforts did not prevent Gian Piero Gasperini’s side dropping into the Europa League in third-place in Group F.
A deal for Newcastle to sign Zapata from Atalanta should also be possible before Monday’s transfer deadline. La Dea are seemingly open to a deal, and Calciomercato note the Gewiss Stadium natives have already sounded out replacements. Torino’s Andrea Belotti is one.
So, Newcastle should not have to wait too long for Atalanta to give the final green light for Zapata’s transfer. But the Toon may have to agree to a non-restricted obligation for a deal.
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