Everton in talks to sign Duvan Zapata in £15m loan-to-buy transfer
Everton are in talks to sign Atalanta striker Duvan Zapata on a loan-to-buy deal this month, according to the Sunday People.
The newspaper reported via their print edition on 15 January (page 61) that Frank Lampard is desperate to add more firepower to his ranks and is looking at Zapata, 31, as someone who can add more goals at Goodison Park.
It is understood that the deal being discussed by the Toffees is an initial loan with a £15million option-to-buy clause.
Sunday People journalist Clive Hetherington adds that David Moyes tried to sign the Colombia international on deadline day last year when a loan deal collapsed.
Desperate, indeed
Zapata’s goalscoring record in Italy has been incredible in his career.
The former Udinese, Sampdoria and Napoli striker has scored 107 times in 268 top-flight appearances in Italy.
However, he’s been hampered by hamstring injuries lately and this season, he has seen the 34-cap Colombian ace play just 11 times in Serie A, scoring one goal.
Last season wasn’t bad with Zapata netting 13 goals and supplying seven assists in 32 appearances across all competitions. Three of those goals came in the Champions League, one of which was against Manchester United.
Would Zapata be a good fit for Everton?
He’s a proven goalscorer in Italy but by the end of the season he’ll be 32 years old and if his hamstring problems persist – which is likely given the nature of hamstring injuries – then it could be a massive risk.
Signing him on loan with an option to buy would make sense but £15million is a lot of money to commit too for someone who may be fraught with issues.
Beggars cannot be choosers, however. And Everton are certainly the former right now due to Financial Fair Play restrictions at Goodison Park.