€18m Everton transfer target iterates his future plans and where he’ll play next season
Everton have been on the hunt for a new striker in the transfer market and the summer transfer window is set to be no different. The Toffees have been linked to players like Che Adams, Viktor Gyokeres and Duvan Zapata as targets are being identified for the summer transfer window.
Everton were linked with Zapata in the winter transfer window with the Merseysiders exploring the option of signing the Colombian forward on an initial loan deal but including an option to buy in the contract. Everton proposed a loan with an option to buy for £15 million but the proposal was rejected by Atalanta as the Serie A outfit were not interested in loaning out Zapata and their manager, Giampaolo Gasperini, counted on Zapata.
The Toffees were once again linked to Zapata a few weeks ago as it was reported that the Colombian is no longer an indispensable part of the team. Everton would face competition from Torino, who are also looking to sign the 31 year old in the summer transfer window. Zapata’s deal runs out in the summer of 2024, meaning he’ll enter the final 12 months of his contract in the summer.
Everton target Duvan Zapata iterates his future plans
There was little hope that EFC will have a shot at signing Zapata in the summer but the 31 year old has now poured water over Everton’s hopes as the player does not intend to join Everton or any other club this summer. His game time has been limited because of the hamstring injury and niggles but Zapata feels settled at Atalanta and doesn’t intend to move in the summer.
"Here. Even though since I’ve been at Atalanta every time the market opened they gave me to another team, even when I knew nothing about it. Here, where I am very well and where I can be even better if I find some continuity. And if we finish this championship well. (via Sport Witness)"
When asked where he would be in July, Zapata did not hesitate in claiming that he will be in Bergamo with Atalanta. This will certainly be a blow for Everton in Zapata’s chase. On the upside, the Toffees have ample time to find other viable options for the forward role.
EFC need to sign a striker to support Dominic Calvert-Lewin and provide cover for him when the Englishman is out injured. The lack of a reliable goal scorer is hurting Everton as they are locked in a relegation battle.
Next. Transfer blow for Everton as £19.3m striker makes admission about his future. dark
Will EFC convince Duvan Zapata to move in the summer?