Newcastle linked with signing Duvan Zapata from Atalanta yet again

Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle were linked with Duvan Zapata in January and the summer, and now he is a rumoured target once again.

That is according to Calciomercato, who believe that the Magpies are the only club interested in signing the Atalanta striker heading into January 2023.

They state that Newcastle are Zapata’s ‘only suitor’, and will only consider the 31-year-old for a cut price fee. Calciomercato claim that Eddie Howe’s side will not pay more than £10million for the Colombian striker.

That kind of fee would make him a bargain – especially given how much it was going to cost to bring him to St James’ Park at the start of the year.

But with Newcastle already boasting three strikers, signing another who is the wrong side of 30 would be a strange move. And it’s not like this is the first time that Zapata has been linked with the Magpies since the takeover in October 2021.

Newcastle linked with Zapata over and over again

At the start of 2022, Newcastle were in the market for a striker. And they were linked with Zapata.

The Magpies reportedly made a £25million bid for him, but it was rejected by Atalanta. They wanted a bigger fee, commanding £35million for their number 91.

It was reported that Zapata wanted to join Newcastle, but by the end of the January transfer window he was not a Magpie.

Then came the summer which brought fresh Zapata rumours. It was claimed that he had been offered to Newcastle, with the Serie A side now only wanting £20million for him.

This time he did arrive at St James’ Park – but only for a pre-season friendly. Howe’s side ended the summer with a new striker, signing Alexander Isak for a club record fee.

Now we are edging closer to the third transfer window since the takeover, and Zapata is being linked once again.

As each window passes, Newcastle’s need for Zapata lessens. And so does his valuation. But even for £10million, the Magpies will be steering clear of the 31-year-old.

Next time Newcastle sign a striker, it will be someone young with stacks of potential – not someone with just one goal this season.