West Ham have once again been linked with a move for Atalanta hitman Duvan Zapata.
Italian publication Calcio Mercato claims that the Hammers have made a ‘proposal’ to sign the Colombia international in January.
Calcio Mercato suggests the 28-year-old will cost somewhere in the region of €50 million (£43 million).
Now, that represents decent value for someone with Zapata’s quality. West Ham could have got the striker for so much less six years ago, however.
According to a report from Football.London, the Hammers missed out on signing the pacy frontman in 2013.
The east London outfit had agreed a £6.7m deal to sign Zapata from Estudiantes six years ago.
West Ham offered the South American a four-year deal, but he needed a work permit, and unfortunately he failed to get one.
The Atalanta hitman has gone on to establish himself as one of the very best forwards in Europe.
He has bagged 35 goals in 57 appearances since the start of the 2018/19 campaign. And if he continues to score consistently in Italy, it surely won’t be long before he gets a big move to the Premier League.
Paying in excess of £40 million for him will be a real kick in the teeth for West Ham, however, considering the fact that they reportedly could have signed him for £36 million less six years ago.
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