According to a recent report by the Sun, West Ham United are looking to secure the services of Duvan Zapata from Sampdoria in a £40m deal after missing out on Maxi Gomez earlier this summer. The same source has also claimed that the Colombian international is Manuel Pellegrini’s number one target in this summer transfer window as he looks to bring in a suitable replacement for Marko Arnautovic who has decided to leave the East London club in favour of a move to China.
Zapata’s Outstanding Goal-Scoring Form In The Italian Top-Flight
The South American sensation enjoyed a brilliant season while on loan at Atalanta where he put in numerous goal-scoring performances in the previous campaign. Zapata’s remarkable form in front of the opposing goal helped the Italian outfit claim an impressive third-place finish in the Serie A last season.
The 28-year-old featured in 48 matches for Atalanta in the previous term, finding the back of the net on 28 occasions while providing eight assists across all competitions. He has also represented Colombia in 15 international matches while scoring three goals for them in the process.
At 28, Zapata is currently at his prime and still has a few years left in him to play at the highest level which the Hammers could look to benefit from over the next few campaigns.
What Will The South American Striker Bring To The London Stadium?
Zapata is an all-around striker who has decent pace and is dominant in the air as well in the offensive end of the field. He is also an unforgiving presence inside the opposition penalty area which makes him one of the most prolific forwards in the Italian top-flight. The Colombian striker was an unstoppable force in the Serie A last season and so West Ham would hope that he would be able to continue his success story in England.
Will Zapata Be A Good Fit For The Hammers?
The acquisition of a striker of Zapata’s ilk will undoubtedly bolster Manuel Pellegrini’s attacking options at the East London club. The Hammers have currently got some talented forwards in their ranks such as Javier Hernandez, Xande Silva and Andriy Yarmolenko. However, Pellegrini needs another fresh face in attack who can fill in the void left by Arnautovic this summer.
Zapata would be an upgrade over any of them due to his consistency on the pitch, which makes him an ideal fit for West Ham going into the new campaign.
