Atalanta have slapped a large price tag on striker and West Ham target Duvan Zapata, with interest in the Italian club’s star man heating up.
The 28-year old forward has been in electric form in the Serie A this season for Atalanta, having scored 20 league goals in 30 appearances. Such has his form been impressive that he has attracted a number of potential new suitors, including Premier League duo Chelsea and the Hammers.
The Colombia international is currently undergoing a two-year loan spell with Atalanta from fellow Serie A side Sampdoria, and La Dea are keen to invoke their option to buy clause this summer, which sets Zapata’s price at just €26million.
With interested clubs willing to pay top dollar though, the club are open to selling on their top goalscorer for a profit.
According to Calciomercato, Atalanta would be willing to sell Zapata for €50million (£43.1million), which could prove difficult for West Ham.
The London club, according to Gianluca Di Marzio, failed with a £35million offer for Zapata in January, and with interest having since increased in the experienced forward, the additional fee required could prove too much for the club.
With other younger stars such as Celta Vigo’s Maxi Gomez linked with switches for similar fees, the Hammers may need to prioritise and subsequently miss out on signing the Colombian.
