West Ham are interested in signing South American centre-forward Duvan Zapata, according to GazzaMercato.
The Italian news outlet claims that the Hammers are in the hunt to sign the Napoli 27-year-old, who has just impressed during a season-long loan spell at Serie A rivals Sampdoria.
It is understood that West Ham, Southampton, Atalanta and Villarreal are all interested in the Colombian striker, who missed out on his nation’s World Cup squad.
Good move for West Ham?
Zapata missed out on this summer’s World Cup, but does have five international caps for Colombia under his belt and also has just enjoyed a decent season.
The speed machine scored 11 goals and supplied six assists in just 32 appearances for Sampdoria.
He has shown during his career that he is a decent finisher in front of goal and should now be entering his peak years, but the only concern for manager Manuel Pellegrini is that he’s never played in the Premier League before.
West Ham require a proven striker in the English league and looking elsewhere may be a better strategy to take.
Forever West Ham rating: 4/10
Likely to happen?
West Ham’s link to Zapata seems a distant one for now without any mention of a potential transfer fee and there is sure to be a mad scramble if he does become available.
Forever West Ham rating: 3/10
