Fulham are interested in signing Atalanta striker Duvan Zapata, as Marco Silva looks keen to bolster his forward line before the summer transfer window slams shut.
The Cottagers sold Aleksandar Mitrovic to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal for a club-record fee last week, which has weakened Marco Silva’s striker options. Despite the signing of Raul Jimenez from Wolves, Silva wants to bring in another striker ahead of the gruelling 2023/24 campaign.
As a result, Fulham are reportedly considering an approach over a move for Atalanta star Duvan Zapata after his proposed move to AS Roma collapsed, with the Colombian high on the list of striker options Silva has in mind ahead of the transfer deadline.
Zapata, 32, was on the cusp of joining Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma on loan, but the striker expressed doubts over a potential transfer and the deal fell through at the 11th hour. Although it is understood he is leaning towards staying with the Bergamo-based club, Fulham are planning to hold talks with the player to see if he’s keen on a move to Craven Cottage.
Duvan Zapata would be a smart short-term signing for Fulham
A traditional No.9, Zapata has spent the majority of his footballing career in Italy, turning out for clubs such as Napoli, Udinese, Sampdoria and Atalanta. Over the last decade, he has netted 108 goals in 283 Serie A appearances, of which 69 have come for Atalanta.
A strong and physically intimidating striker, known for his offensive movement, pace and goalscoring ability, the 32-year-old would be a solid addition to Fulham’s attacking ranks. The Colombian international would fill in the void left by Mitrovic in Silva’s squad, whilst competing with Raul Jimenez and Carlos Vinicius.
Due to his mix of physical attributes and technical skills, Zapata would be an ideal fit in Silva’s system. A proven and seasoned goalscorer in Serie A, he would add more potency to the Cottagers’ attack and give them an outlet to hold the ball up—something Mitrovic was so good at. Also, having a set-piece expert in Andreas Pereira could see the Colombian thrive as a centre-forward.
At 32, Zapata probably will give a couple of quality years at the highest level, and with Fulham in desperate need to replace Mitrovic, the Atalanta star should be a smart short-term acquisition.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
