West Ham were heavily linked with a move to sign Duvan Zapata in January but his self-confessed allegiance to Arsenal may well be a big problem for us.
Hammers boss David Moyes desperately needs to sign a new striker in the summer, as does Arsenal manager Mike Arteta.
And with that in mind, it would be no surprise to see both London clubs try to sign Zapata in the summer transfer window.
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The 30-year-old Atalanta hitman has been described as ‘deadly’ by talkSPORT. Meanwhile, Goal describe Zapata as an ‘incredible’ forward.
Zapata has been in fine form in Italy this season, racking up 12 goals and seven assists in 23 games for Atalanta. He also boasts a decent career record of 149 goals in 379 games (Transfermarkt).
The South American hitman seems to possess all of the attributes needed to succeed in the Premier League.
Zapata stands at 6ft 2in tall, and possesses an impressive build and physique. He is strong as an ox and has pace in abundance.
The Atalanta ace would be a sensational addition for West Ham but we think that Arsenal could represent a real problem for us in the race to sign the Colombia international.
West Ham face Zapata disappointment after ‘Arsenal dream’ claims
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta will be desperate to bolster his centre-forward ranks at the Emirates in the summer transfer window.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left Arsenal to join Barcelona in January whilst Alexandre Lacazette will be out of contract in the summer.
Whilst Arsenal may target the addition of a superstar striker, Arteta may well want to add a more experienced, proven goalscorer to his ranks as well. And Zapata would be the ideal man for the job.
If the Gunners go head-to-head with West Ham for the Colombian’s signature, we think there will unfortunately only be one winner.
Zapata recently admitted that he is actually an Arsenal fan, when speaking exclusively to Gazzetta dello Sport:
“My future in the Premier League? Never say never in football. When I was a kid I was always watching the Premier League – I was an Arsenal fan!”
In addition to that, The Sun have claimed that the 30-year-old’s dream move is to join Arsenal.
West Ham clearly have a tough task ahead of us, if we are to win the race for Zapata’s signature in the summer. He has absolutely everything that David Moyes looks for in a striker.
So missing out on his services to Arsenal would be a major blow for the Hammers.
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