Newcastle United may have another chance to move for Duvan Zapata this summer.
The Magpies were linked with a move for the Colombia international, but a move ultimately didn’t materialise.
According to Calciomercato, Newcastle lodged a £5 million loan bid for the 30-year-old.
The offer also included a clause which would have obligated the club to buy Zapata for £18 million if they stayed in the Premier League.
In the end, Newcastle finished the January with just the one striker addition. Chris Wood signed a few weeks ago from Burnley after Newcastle had triggered his release clause.
Eddie Howe had wanted another in, with Hugo Ekitike turning a move to St. James’ Park down yesterday.
But Zapata was also a target for Newcastle, with reports claiming he wanted to join. And it seems he could be available in the summer.
Calciomercato add that Atalanta’s president Antonio Percassi is more likely to cash in on Zapata in the next window.
That makes sense, because the player will only have a year left on his contract by that point. It is the last chance for them to get decent money for him.
Zapata, 30, has scored 12 goals so far across all competitions for the Italian outfit. He has also laid on seven assists for teammates.
They are hoping he can continue his good form and help the club finish in the Champions League places again.
Atalanta likely to sell Duvan Zapata this summer, but Newcastle may move to other targets
Atalanta may be likely to sell the player in the next window.
But it remains to be seen if Newcastle come to the table.
If the club retains its Premier League status, one would imagine the owners will be looking to bring in someone with a bit more quality and a bit younger than 30-year-old Zapata. As good a player he has shown himself to be with Atalanta.
It’ll be a different ball game in the summer. Newcastle’s new owners will have more time to do deals and more it will be harder for selling clubs to turn the Magpies down.
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