Newcastle are making a huge mistake if they try to sign Duvan Zapata

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Newcastle United have once again been linked with trying to sign Duvan Zapata from Atalanta, and it would be a huge mistake if he arrives at St James’ Park next month.

The claim comes from Italy, with Calciomercato reporting that the Magpies are the only suitors for Zapata heading into the January transfer window. They add that Newcastle would now only be willing to pay £10million for the striker.

This comes after the 31-year-old was linked with Eddie Howe’s side in January and the summer. Newcastle reportedly made a £25million bid for him at the beginning of the year, while they were offered the chance to sign him before the start of the current season.

Newcastle said no, and instead brought in Alexander Isak for a club record fee. The 23-year-old cost £63million from Real Sociedad, and is part of the club’s very exciting present and future.

Now a fresh Zapata rumour has emerged, claiming that the Colombian’s signature could be secured for a bargain fee.

But, even at £10million, signing the Serie A striker would be a big mistake by PIF.

Newcastle must not try to sign Duvan Zapata

There are plenty of reasons why Newcastle should not sign Zapata in January.

First of all, we already have three options up front. Callum Wilson has scored six goals this season, while we are yet to fully see what Isak is capable of. And his best years are ahead of him at the age of 23.

Then you come to Chris Wood, Newcastle’s third choice forward. The 31-year-old has not been a consistent scorer for the Magpies, but often leads the line well. And it has been reported that Eddie Howe wants to keep him at St James’ Park, despite previous reports stating that he would be replaced in 2023.

If he was to be replaced, it wouldn’t be by someone who is the same age with even less goals. That’s Zapata, who has only found the net once for Atalanta this season at the age of 31.

Bringing Zapata to St James’ Park to replace Wood would by a sideways move. And signing him alongside the New Zealander would be a waste of money. It would leave Howe with four strikers to choose from, when he persists with just one up front.

A move for Zapata would be pointless and a complete waste of resources – which is not what we need as we wrestle with FFP. Luckily, the Toon owners have been smart in the transfer market, so there should be no reason to worry about this rumour coming out of Italy.