Everton are in talks to land Atalanta star Duvan Zapata in January
According to Goodison News, Premier League side Everton are in talks with Italian side Atalanta to secure the services of striker Duvan Zapata in the 2023 January transfer window.
The 31-year-old is an experienced star in Serie A, having moved to Napoli in 2013. He has since played for several Italian sides and has been with Atalanta since 2020. In 174 appearances for the club, Zapata has scored 80 goals and assisted 40 more.
However, he has struggled for goals this season, netting just once across 12 appearances in all competitions. Exactly what Everton are seeking from a player who isn’t in his best form is a mystery, but the Toffees nevertheless are in negotiations to take the Colombian to the Premier League this month.
Frank Lampard’s side are currently in the 19th spot in the Premier League and are under serious threat of being relegated. A major reason for their inability to secure results has been a misfiring attack that has found the back of the net a mere 15 times. To put it into context, only Wolverhampton Wanderers have scored fewer than Everton in the league this season.
It thus is no surprise that Lampard is in the market for a striker this month. Everton are keen to take Zapata on loan this month, with the option to make the deal permanent in the summer. The deal could end up being worth £15 million, a fair amount for a player who is 31.
While the Colombian is a proven goalscorer in Italy, he has been plagued by injuries in recent seasons. More so, Zapata has also regressed and isn’t getting any younger. Everton needs a difference-maker now, and it makes little sense for them to put all their faith in a man not enjoying the best of seasons.
The Toffees are far from an ideal destination for players at this moment in time. Results have not been good, and the loyal fanbase have started to turn on their players. Zapata’s international teammate Yerry Mina is privy to the fury, and it remains to be seen if the striker will be keen to be part of such a mess.
Everton’s options are limited, and unless something is done soon, they could struggle to extricate themselves from the relegation dogfight. Time will tell whether Zapata can be that man. Not replacing Richarlison in the summer could prove very costly.
