West Ham United target Duvan Zapata is now wanted by Chelsea.
According to Tuttomercatoweb, Chelsea are hoping to sign Atalanta striker Duvan Zapata if they get their transfer ban lifted this summer.
The Blues have been slapped with a transfer ban until January 2020 after FIFA found them guilty of breaking rules when signing Under-18 players.
Maurizio Sarri’s men have failed with an attempt to freeze the ban whilst Chelsea appeal, seemingly ensuring that the Blues can’t go and make signings this summer.
Chelsea haven’t given up hope yet though, and Tuttomercatoweb claim that they have a top target if they can avoid the ban – Atalanta sensation Zapata.
The 28-year-old has been in ridiculous form this season, smashing 23 goals in 33 games in all competitions, whilst also picking up five assists for an impressive Atalanta side.
Zapata is a man in demand, but with Gonzalo Higuain only on loan from Juventus, Colombian powerhouse Zapata is allegedly being seen as an alternative – despite Sarri and Zapata not exactly having a roaring relationship at Napoli.
That may just give West Ham some hope though. The Hammers were desperate to sign Zapata in January, offering €40million (£35million) to try and bring him to East London according to Gianluca Di Marzio, but the offer was rejected.
With Chelsea facing a ban, and the frosty past with Sarri, West Ham will still have a shot at Zapata, and could yet have the last laugh over their London neighbours in this summer pursuit.
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