Everton are set to initiate discussions with Atalanta for the potential transfer of striker Duván Zapata.
Zapata, 31, has struggled to make an impact this season, starting only eight games in Serie A. The Colombian striker has suffered from a mixture of lack of form and spells in the recovery room this season. He has missed six fixtures due to a hamstring injury and has scored one goal.
Everton, meanwhile, are the second-lowest scoring team in the Premier League (15) and sit 19th in the table.
With a lacklustre forward line, Frank Lampard’s side are targeting Zapata to reinforce striking options. The 6”2 centre-forward had scored 66 goals in 126 Serie A appearances prior to this season and has 18 months left on his current contract.
Fabrizio Romano detailed the inner workings of the potential transfer:
“Everton are prepared to approach Atalanta to negotiate for Colombian striker Duván Zapata. Intermediaries will work on the deal with Everton open to loan with option clause proposal.
Atalanta would only be open to discuss a permanent transfer for Zapata, as things stand.”
As a result of Zapata’s decreasing form in front of goal, Everton appear hesitant to commit to a permanent transfer. Desperation to sign a desired goal scorer may factor into the equation, however, as the remaining days of the transfer window tick by.
