Newcastle United are reportedly closing in on signing Atalanta striker Duvan Zapata and have agreed personal terms with the 30-year-old Colombian.
According to Calciomercato, Premier League big-spenders Newcastle United have agreed personal terms with Atalanta striker Duvan Zapata ahead of a potential January transfer.
The 30-year-old is one of Gian Piero Gasperini’s best players and has helped turn Atalanta into one of the most watchable sides in Italian football. He has 12 goals and seven assists in 22 appearances for La Dea this season and appears to be in good nick. This assertiveness in attack coupled with his consistency can make him a sensation signing for the Magpies.
Zapata is an experienced player and is well acquainted with top-level European football. Newcastle lack a reliable goalscorer, and Zapata can fill that void, at least for a few years. Although personal terms have been agreed upon, Atalanta are yet to receive an offer they deem suitable. Things could change in the coming days as the Magpies are expected to return with an improved offer.
The Tyneside club has tabled a bid worth €30 million, but the Serie A giants are holding out for at least €40 million. As things stand, it would appear that all that stands in Newcastle’s way is the asking price.
Zapata will triple his wages and earn a lucrative payday should he move to St. James’ Park. He currently makes around €2 million per year at the Gewiss Stadium, but it is a far cry from the €6.5 million package offered by Newcastle. A move to Tyneside could represent a final shot at a lucrative payday for Zapata, who is set to turn 31 this year.
Newcastle are struggling for goals and have scored just 20 times this season in the Premier League. A major reason that they are facing a relegation battle is an inability to find the back of the net consistently. While they have already brought in Chris Wood, the former Burnley striker might not be enough to score goals consistently.
Zapata, on the other hand, is a different beast. The 30-year-old is a proven goalscorer and has shown that he can make a difference on the field. Newcastle could potentially end up paying more than they should for the Colombian international if a €40 million deal goes through. However, it will be money well spent if his goals can guarantee them Premier League survival this season.
Having already landed Kieran Trippier and Wood, Newcastle are yet to call time on their transfer activity this month. Just what lineup the Magpies can bring together come the end of the winter transfer window remains to be seen.
