West Ham have reportedly placed Atalanta striker Duvan Zapata as their ‘first choice’ ahead of the summer transfer window.
The 30-year-old has previously been linked with a move to the Hammers and could finally be set for a new challenge.
West Ham have had a £35.3m bid rejected by Atalanta for Colombia international forward Duván Zapata. (Source: Tuttosport) pic.twitter.com/fqbWX2bBVz
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) January 22, 2019
Signed by Napoli from Estudiantes as a fledgling 22-year-old in 2013, Zapata has netted 105 goals in 244 Serie A outings since arriving in Italy.
According to a report from Milan Live, West Ham will prioritise a move for the Colombian international at the end of the season.
The report claims that the 34-cap ace ‘could say goodbye’ to Atalanta in the summer.
This season the man once described as ‘unstoppable’ by Corriere said della Sera has scored 12 times and provided seven assists in 23 appearances across all competitions.
READ WEST HAM VERDICT
Valued at £29.7million and out of contract in 2023 (Transfermarkt), Atalanta could be forced to cash in on their powerful frontman.
An out and out centre-forward with similar strengths to Michail Antonio, Zapata would have no problem adapting to David Moyes’ style.
Despite the age and recent injury concerns, at the right price, signing the Colombian would be a superb piece of business.
