The Daily Record are reporting that Newcastle United have made a £25 million (over €30 million) bid for Atalanta forward Duvan Zapata. The Colombian striker’s club are open to offers from interested parties. However, the Serie A side is looking for a bid in the region close to around €45 (over £35 million).
Newcastle has already brought in Chris Wood from Burnley so far in the January transfer window, but they want to bring in another striker. Callum Wilson is out injured and Dwight Gayle has barely featured this season.
The same report claims that Zapata is a back-up option should they fail to sign Darwin Nunez from Benfica. The 22-year-old is an exciting prospect but would set the Magpies back quite a bit of money.
Inter Milan legend says the Colombian forward has similarities to Romelu Lukaku
Ex-Inter Milan centre-back and legend Riccardo Ferri spoke on Zapata as a potential replacement for Romelu Lukaku when he left Inter last summer.
Speaking to Tuttomercatoweb, Ferri explained “Any player who will replace the Belgian must-have characteristics similar to him.
“Without a doubt, Zapata is certainly the one who resembles (Lukaku) the most.”
The Columbian is in his fourth season with Atalanta and has a very consistent track record. In the 2018/19 campaign, he netted 23 times, 18 goals the next season and then 15 the season after that. This season he has 9 goals, demonstrating he has been a deadly striker for the last four seasons.
Zapata offers a rare combination of height and blistering pace
Zapata stands at 6 foot 3 inches, meaning he is an imposing figure in the air. Additionally, what makes him such a unique and terrifying striker to defend against is his pace. He has blistering pace and his goal tally backs up that he is a great finisher too.
This combination of attributes could really benefit Newcastle. Granted he has no Premier League experience thus far but an opportunity on Tyneside could change that. There are not many strikers in the world, let alone in England with height, pace and deadly finishing.
However, if Newcastle is serious about acquiring the Columbian they will likely have to up their fee. Considering his consistent goal contributions and it’s clear to see why Atalanta value him so highly.
