Last summer, Sampdoria allowed Duván Zapata to join Atalanta on a two-year loan deal with an option to buy.
In each of the past three seasons, the Colombia international has scored 10 plus goals in the league and this term, he has contributed to 25 goals scored in the league (20 goals + five assists) in 30 appearances.
The striker’s form attracted interest from West Ham United earlier this campaign and we carried a report from Sky Italia, who explained the Hammers even offered a €40m to secure his services in January.
However, the Serie A outfit rejected the London club’s offer, but that hasn’t stopped Manuel Pellegrini’s side keeping an eye on the player.
According to Calciomercato, the Premier League side still ‘wants’ Zapata and he is their ‘forbidden dream’ for the next season.
Atalanta, who have the option to make the South American’s loan move permanent, will not consider sanctioning Zapata’s sale for less than €50m.
Whether or not West Ham will meet the Italian club’s demand is to be seen and even if they do, the English club will have to convince the attacker.
