West Ham allegedly made attempts to sign Atalanta striker Duvan Zapata in the January transfer window.
That’s according to well-renowned Italian football journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, who made the claim when speaking to Sky Sports this evening (January 31st, 8:35pm).
Hammers boss David Moyes has been desperately trying to bolster his centre-forward ranks at the London Stadium since he decided to sell Sebastien Haller to Ajax way back in January 2021.
Read also: Evening Standard claim West Ham actually made £60m bid for striker on deadline day
As things stand though, he has been unsuccessful in his search.
West Ham’s lack of business on transfer deadline day has been incredibly frustrating, especially considering the fact that we have a genuine chance of pushing on for a top four finish this season.
It seems as though the old scattergun approach was back in full force this window.
West Ham tried for Duvan Zapata
The Colombia international is one of Europe’s most feared front-men in world football.
And Gianluca Di Marzio told Sky Sports tonight how West Ham made an attempt to prise him away from the Serie A outfit:
“It’s too late now, it’s impossible for Atalanta to buy a replacement for Zapata. We know that Newcastle tried, West Ham tried.”
The 30-year-old striker has been in fine form in Italy this season, racking up 12 goals and seven assists in 22 games for Atalanta. He also boasts a decent career record of 149 goals in 379 games (Transfermarkt).
Zapata 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. He is strong as an ox and has pace in abundance.
Atalanta were allegedly demanding around £35 million for Zapata (Eurosport).
That sounds like an awful lot of money for a 30-year-old striker with no experience of playing in the Premier League.
And as hard as this might be to accept, perhaps this is one that the West Ham owners were right not to cough up for.
Read also:
Report: West Ham now eyeing £3.5m deadline day swoop for 24-year-old left-back
West Ham launch ‘shock’ enquiry for £33m Premier League winger journalist claims
Report: West Ham prepared to sell 25-year-old to PL club for £15m loss, on one condition