Newcastle United have ended talks to sign Atalanta defender Robin Gosens, with the club set on bringing in the German’s attacking teammate Duvan Zapata.
According to Corriere Bergamo, the Toon have concluded discussions to bring in the wing-back in favour of signing the 30-year-old striker. As per the report, Newcastle are eager to sign Zapata, who Atalanta value at around €40m (£33m).
As reported by CalcioMercato, Newcastle were willing to make a £29m offer to sign Gosens this window. The versatile wide-player has been one of Atalanta’s star players since joining in 2017, with the 27-year-old since becoming a regular international with Germany.
Whilst a hamstring injury has kept Gosens out for most of this season, the winger has impressed in the few games he has played in this campaign. The former Heracles Almelo star has a goal and assist from just eight games.
Described as ‘amazing’ by former Germany manager Joachim Low, Gosens has been one of the figureheads of the Atalanta revolution in recent years, and his performances have now caught the eye of Newcastle.
However, it appears that the Toon’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) owners are set on signing another striker this window, with Newcastle deciding to end talks with Gosens to sign Zapata from the Bergamo club.
Newcastle are making a huge error focussing on Zapata over Gosens
There’s no question that Zapata is a phenomenal striker who has aged like a fine wine with Atalanta, however, Newcastle should be focussing their efforts on signing Gosens this January over his Colombian teammate.
With Chris Wood joining from Burnley earlier in the window, Newcastle’s striker situation is solid for the remainder of the season. Whereas in Eddie Howe’s system, a quality wing-back like Gosens could be the difference between a handful of goals and extra clean sheets which could save the Toon from relegation to the Championship.
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