Nottingham Forest are set to rival Everton for the signing of Atalanta striker Duvan Zapata, according to Tutto Mercato Web. The Reds are in the market for a new striker and appear to be in the running to land the Colombian talisman.
Signing the 31-year-old won’t be easy though. The report claims that Everton have already opened talks with the Serie A frontman over a move to Goodison Park.
Zapata has been with Atalanta since 2018 when he signed from Sampdoria. His record with his current club is good; with the striker scoring 80 times during 174 appearances and also claiming 40 assists.
Gian Piero Gasperini is willing to entertain offers, however. The talisman has scored just once during 2022/23 and bids of around £17 million will be entertained by the Italian outfit.
It’s thought that Everton are keen to buy the player. Forest’s initial offer is thought to be a loan with a view to buying him in the summer but Atalanta aren’t keen on doing such a deal.
Zapata has scored goals for fun in Italy. Former Atalanta defender Giorgio Magnocavallo previously compared the striker to Romelu Lukaku during an interview with Tutto Mercato Web in August 2021.
Forest to rival Everton for Zupata signing
The Reds will have to up the ante if they’re serious about signing the international. Everton have cash on the table ready to buy him and a loan looks very unattractive to the Serie A outfit.
Forest are perhaps being sensible though. The striker has missed some of this season with a hamstring problem and perhaps they’re concerned about being tied in with the player.
There is a lot to like about Zapata. At 6ft 3in he would provide Steve Cooper’s team with a physical presence and at £17 million, he’d hardly make Evangelos Marinakis fall out of his seat with the finances.
Rumour rating: 7/10 – This wouldn’t be a bad deal at all. Zapata is proven in Serie A with 107 goals across 269 appearances in the top European division. The one concern is his age if he was to be signed permanently. That said, he’d likely come in and score goals should he sign for Forest.