Serie A giants Atalanta are reportedly not inclined to accept Newcastle United’s offer for 30-year-old star striker Duvan Zapata.
According to Football Insider, Atalanta are unwilling to allow Duvan Zapata to leave the club in the ongoing transfer window, in the wake of Newcastle United lodging a considerable offer for the 30-year-old striker.
Newcastle United are stepping up their efforts to sign another striker before the January transfer window slams shut. They have been scouring the market for various players this month, with their focus fixated on bringing in defensive reinforcements. They are also looking to sign a new midfielder and a striker.
The relegation battle remains on the forefront of Eddie Howe’s mind around the kind of players to buy in the ongoing window. Newcastle have already signed Kieran Trippier to bolster their backline, while they are hoping to land at least two centre-backs before the deadline.
While this was their plan all along, Callum Wilson suffering a serious calf injury at the end of December has reinforced the importance of signing a new striker to fill his void. The Newcastle board duly obliged and paid a reported £25 million to sign Burnley striker Chris Wood.
There were suggestions that Wood had a release clause, although the Football Insider report suggests the clause was not going to get activated until the summer. However, while the New Zealand international is expected to strengthen the front line, it seems Newcastle are keen on signing another striker before the transfer deadline.
There were suggestions of a move for Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, although those rumours have cooled down. Atalanta’s Duvan Zapata has now emerged as their top target, and the club has reportedly made a lucrative offer to the Serie A club for the Colombian.
The report claims Newcastle offered £7 million as a loan fee with an obligation to buy Zapata for £22 million at the end of the season. Atalanta have refused to entertain the offer, dealing a blow to the Magpies and their intention of signing the 30-year-old Colombian.
It remains to be seen if the Serie A giants hold out for more money or are straight-up unwilling to do business in the middle of the season. Zapata’s contract with the club expires in 2023, and with only 18 months left on his deal, his value could depreciate by the summer. If Newcastle make a better offer, the tide might turn in their favour, and Atalanta could see the business logic behind accepting a reasonable offer.
