It was already noted that Duvan Zapata was our ‘forbidden dream’ when reports surfaced in Italy suggesting Atalanta would demand €50million (£43.1m) for the Colombian, but that dream appears to be fading ever more.
Calciomercato are now reporting that not only are Inter Milan increasingly keen on the 28-year-old, but Atalanta are now demanding at least €60million (£51.7m) for their prize forward.
The Nerazzurri, at least, are already on the back foot in any efforts to tempt Zapata into switching the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia for the San Siro, as Inter are reluctant to match La Dea’s valuation of the striker, even if they were to sell Mauro Icardi in the summer.
If we, on the other hand, were willing to match Atalanta’s new, or old, valuation for Zapata, we would be adding a prolific centre-forward to Manuel Pellegrini’s line-up.
So far this season, the 6 ft 1 ace has netted 21 goals in the Serie A from 33 outings, while firing home two in six in the Champions League and three in four in the Coppa Italia.
We would, however, have to sell extensively to match the asking price and leave funds available for further additions, as Claret & Hugh, via West Ham News, have claimed that £60million will be our expected budget after players are sold, while Marko Arnautovic could be staying beyond the summer after all.
