Atalanta hitman Duvan Zapata was an alleged transfer target for West Ham in the summer of 2019, and then again in January, according to Italian media outlet Calcio Mercato.
The 28-year-old remained with the Serie A outfit, however.
The Hammers brought Sebastien Haller to east London from Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer of 2019, for around £45 million (BBC). And Albian Ajeti was signed from Basel for £8 million (BBC).
Neither has really established themselves with West Ham, however. Surely David Moyes must sign another top class striker in the summer.
And if the Hammers retain their Premier League status, Zapata would be an excellent option for them.
The 16-capped Colombia international has been in fine form this season, despite missing a large chunk of the campaign through injury. Zapata has 11 goals in 15 league outings to his name (Transfermarkt).
And he scored a scintillating hat-trick last night for Atalanta yesterday in Serie A away at Lecce during a 7-2 win for his side.
At 28, Zapata still has three or four years left ahead of him at his peak. And he seems to possess all of the attributes needed to succeed in the Premier League.
The South American stands at 6ft 2in tall, and possesses an impressive build and physique. In 15 Serie A outings this season, the 28-year-old has won an average of 1.8 aerial duals per game. On average, he’s attempted 3.5 shots and made 1.3 key passes and 0.7 dribbles per game (Who Scored).
Calcio Mercato claims that Zapata could be available for around £43 million in the summer. And West Ham should seriously consider just paying up for the Colombian.
The Atalanta striker would take some of the pressure off of Sebastien Haller’s shoulders. And the duo could form a devastating partnership.
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