Everton to hold further talks to sign Atalanta striker Duvan Zapata – Fabrizio Romano
Everton are finding it hard to strike an agreement for Atalanta striker Duvan Zapata but they are expected to hold further talks this month, as reported by Fabrizio Romano.
The reliable transfer guru said to Give Me Sport (18 January) that the Toffees are offering “a loan with an option to buy”, but Atalanta want a permanent move for Zapata.
The Daily Mail reported on 18 January that West Ham are also interested in signing the South American striker who is valued at around £25m.
“Zapata is not easy too because they’re offering a loan with an option to buy, and Atalanta want a permanent move for Zapata,” said Romano on Give Me Sport.
“So, there will be more conversations between Everton and Atalanta about this Colombian striker.”
Difficult
The Colombian striker has been with Atalanta for five seasons now (including a loan spell) where he scored 80 goals in 174 appearances.
The 31-year-old striker has managed just one goal and an assist in 8 starts in Serie A this season, and Atalanta are willing to let him go.
The Toffees badly need a striker in the January window, and Zapata would be a good option for them, considering he has got loads of experience.
However, the club is operating on a tight budget. Everton’s best chances of signing players are mainly on loan deals, and the club would really struggle to spend a fee of around £25m for any player at the moment.
Zapata is a proven goalscorer in the Serie A, and the Toffees could struggle to secure his signature unless Atalanta soften their stance.
The Toffees are 19th in the Premier League at the moment, and Frank Lampard could face the sack if they lose against West Ham on Saturday (21 January).