With striker Odion Ighalo’s move away from the Vicarage Road becoming more and more likely as the transfer window comes to an end, Watford’s search for a replacement is intensifying. The Hornets haven’t been great scorers this season in the Premier League with only 25 goals in the opening 22 games.
Yet they are fortunate enough to sit at the 14th position in the table and in a closing distance with the top half of the table, where they have spent most of the first half of the season. However, if Mazzarri is aiming a top half finish this finish, their goal tally has to increase and according to reports, the manager is looking to bring in the talented Fiorentina striker Mauro Zarate.
Except for Troy Deeney, no forward has been effective for Watford and even Deeney isn’t the highest scorer for the side. Mazzarri’s forward purchasing has been largely a failure with a chunk of the goals coming from midfield and defence.
The highest scorer is defensive midfielder Etienne Capoue with five goals. Deeney and Stefano Okaka has scored four and two goals respectively. Surprisingly, Swansea City (26) and Crystal Palace (30), who have scored more goals the Hornets and still sitting below them in the league table.
The introduction of Zarate might change it as the former West Ham and QPR player has had numerous stints in the Premier League earlier and has a good experience. Although he hasn’t been very regular for the Italian club this season, he has managed to bag four goals and one assist in nine appearances.
As per reports, a move is more or less done and the former Lazio and Inter striker is set to sign a three-year deal for £2m. His brother, Rolando, who is also his agent, said, “This is a realistic possibility. We are discussing a definitive purchase with Watford.”
Fiorentina initially wanted £3million for the forward but the sides have now agreed for a lesser amount. The Argentina Under-20 international has 18 months left on his contract but has decided to leave so he can get more playing time.
A Club Atlético Vélez Sarsfield U20 youth product, Zarate has played for numerous clubs which include Al- Sadd, Birmingham, Lazio, Inter Milan, Birmingham City, West Ham United and Queens Park Rangers before he moved to Italy in 2016 last summer. Although it indicates a failed stint in English Premier League, Mazzarri believes he could bring out the best of him.