Newcastle United Showing Interest In This Serie A Striker: Decent Option For Howe?

In a recent interview with Give Me Sport, transfer insider Dean Jones revealed that Newcastle United are showing interest in Atalanta striker Duvan Zapata this summer. Jones said,

“It got quite far down the road in January. They definitely do like him, so I can see why this one would start to re-emerge.

“I wouldn’t say there are really legs in it at this moment in time, but the longer we fall into this transfer window, I think there’s definitely more of a possibility that he starts to crop up as an option.”

Zapata’s Impressive Numbers At Atalanta Last Season

Zapata had a fruitful campaign in Italian football after he performed at a high level as the spearhead of Atalanta’s attack. The 31-year-old found the back of the net on 13 occasions and secured seven assists in 32 appearances for the Italian side last season across various competitions.

The Colombian talent led the line well as he averaged 3.4 shots, 1.6 key passes and 1.2 dribbles per game in Serie A. He even distributed the ball well in the final third based on his pass completion rate of 76.7% in the Italian first division (stats via whoscored).

Is Zapata A Decent Option For Newcastle United Boss Eddie Howe?

Zapata can strike the ball with power and accuracy from long range. He is a decent finisher in the attacking end of the field and can even engineer some encouraging chances for his teammates to score. The Colombian sensation has got the pace to get in behind the opposition backline and usually works hard for his team.

Standing at 1.89m, Zapata can use his strong frame to hold possession up for others around him. Someone of his skillset and quality will be an excellent acquisition for the Magpies this summer as long as the player can maintain his good form in English football.

We can expect Zapata to add more goals to Eddie Howe‘s attack at St. James’ Park. All in all, the South American marksman will be a decent option for Newcastle United to consider during this summer transfer period as he could help them challenge for a European spot in the Premier League over the next few years.