Fabrizio Romano has told his Here We Go podcast that Newcastle made a loan offer to sign Duvan Zapata, with an obligation to buy him if the Toon remained in the Premier League. But Atalanta want a permanent sale.
Zapata, 30, has been in sensational form for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side this season. Playing 22 times for Atalanta, the Colombia international has scored 12 goals for the Serie A side – as well as laying on seven assists.
The ex-Napoli and Udinese striker has entered the final 18 months of his contract with Atalanta, and that has seemingly attracted interest from Newcastle. It appears that Atalanta are playing hard ball over his future.
Indeed, Italian journalist Romano claims that Newcastle made an initial loan offer with an obligation to buy him – if the Toon stay up. But Atalanta prefer a permanent sale immediately, which could be north of £40million.
“They were offering a loan, with an obligation. An obligation, if Newcastle stay in the Premier League. Atalanta want more than this. They want cash money, a permanent move, they want €45m to €50m (£37.5m to £41.5m).”
Romano on Zapata: Do Newcastle really need another striker?
There is no doubting that Zapata is a top, top striker. One that can change games just by himself. He boasts enormous speed, power, goals, assists, aerial ability and plenty more. An improvement on Chris Wood.
Even when Callum Wilson returns, Zapata would be first choice. While he would be a superb signing – do Newcastle really need him? They have just spent £25million on Wood, and with Zapata, he would be third choice.
So, surely, a January move for Zapata would be a waste of time – given that there is less than a fortnight and priorities should be a centre-back, a left-back and a midfielder in the next few days.
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