Newcastle was linked with Duvan Zapata in January and again in the summer, and he is now a suspected target once more.
According to Calciomercato, the Magpies are the only team interested in signing the Atalanta striker before the end of the season in January 2023.
They claim Newcastle is Zapata’s “sole suitor” and will only consider the 31-year-old for a low cost. According to Calciomercato, Eddie Howe’s team will not pay more than £10 million for the Colombian striker.
That kind of sum would make him a steal, especially considering how much it would cost to bring him to St James’ Park at the start of the season.
But with Newcastle already boasting three strikers, signing another who is on the wrong side of 30 would be a strange move. And it’s not like this is the first time that Zapata has been linked with the Magpies since the takeover in October 2021.
Newcastle was looking for a striker at the start of 2022. They were also tied to Zapata.
The Magpies reportedly made a £25 million approach for him, but Atalanta turned it down. They demanded a higher fee, asking approximately £35 million for their number 91.
Zapata was said to desire to join Newcastle, but at the end of the January transfer window, he was no longer a Magpie.
Then came the summer, which brought with it new Zapata rumors. Newcastle was said to have made an offer for him, with the Serie A club reportedly just demanding £20 million for him.
He did appear at St James’ Park this time, but just for a pre-season friendly. Alexander Isak was signed for a club record amount by Howe’s team at the conclusion of the summer.
Now that we’re approaching the third transfer window since the takeover, Zapata is being connected once more.
Newcastle’s need for Zapata diminishes with each passing window. So does his estimation. Even at £10 million, the Magpies will avoid signing the 31-year-old.
The next striker Newcastle signs will be someone young and full of potential, not someone who has only scored one goal this season.
