According to Calciomercato, Atalanta forward Duvan Zapata has been courted by Manchester United as they look to strengthen their attacking department. It is believed that Atalanta are aware of United’s interest, though they are not the only ones, with West Ham also keen on securing the services of the Colombian forward.
Zapata’s success in the Serie A
Since moving to Italy in 2013, Zapata has scored in every Serie A side he has been a part of. His 15 goals in 54 matches with Napoli was the worst spell during his ongoing stint in the Italian top flight, which says quite a lot about his success in Italy.
The 28-year-old departed Napoli in 2017, on a season-long loan deal to Sampdoria. He plundered 11 league goals on his debut campaign for the Blucerchiati. Zapata is currently a vital member of the Atalanta side, after he signed a two-year loan deal last summer. He has netted 32 goals in just 54 competitive matches for La Dea.
This season, the Colombian has already scored four goals in five matches, helping his club collect ten points in five games – a tally only bettered by Inter Milan and Juventus.
What can he bring to the table?
The important aspect for any striker in professional football is his ability to score goals in the final third. And Zapata certainly has that in him, having netted 67 goals in 173 Italian top-flight matches.
The ex-America prodigy is generally advertised as a fox in the box. But, his imposing 1.89m frame gives him a considerable advantage in both physical and aerial aspects of the game, which, in turn, helps him operate as more of a target-man up top.
Zapata is adept in keeping hold of the ball and can create layoffs for others in and around the opposition penalty box. His willingness to win the ball back for his team also makes him a crucial component in the first line of the press.
Should Manchester United make a move for Zapata?
It was an awful decision from Manchester United not to sign a centre-forward in the summer, after initially getting rid of Romelu Lukaku. Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial have both been used as a number nine by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this season.
However, Man United’s current squad lacks a physical and imposing presence in attack. As a result, the Red Devils frontline has appeared quite ineffective, at times, which is firmly indicated by their relatively poor start to this campaign.
Zapata, in that regard, could turn out to be that Lukaku replacement that United always needed. The Colombian international has a lot of experience in top-flight football, and his aeriel prowess should help him succeed in the Premier League – making him an ideal target man for the Mancunian outfit.
