Now, we know it might come as a shock to you, West Ham fans, but your club are trying to sign a striker, like they have done for the past 429 transfer windows (or so it feels).
January was no exception, especially with all the drama surrounding Marko Arnautovic and the Chinese offers, and a lot was written/speculated.
One of the targets was reported to be Atalanta’s Duvan Zapata, who has enjoyed a very productive season in Seqrie A so far (17 goals in 28 league appearances).
A number of reports, appearing in January and February, claimed the Hammers even went as far as making an offer for the 27-year-old, which was turned down due to his club being reluctant to sell their star asset midway through the season.
The amount of the offer varied by the report, with Sky Sport Italia stating it went as high as €40m.
Gazzetta dello Sport on Tuesday recall that event, but their figure is a tad lower, believing West Ham’s bid to be a mere €30m, which Atalanta quickly scrunched up and swished for three points in their bin on the other side of the office.
What could convince them, however, is a bit more money, and the Italian newspaper explain talks could be started at around €45m.
You see, Zapata is currently on a two-year loan from Sampdoria, and Atalanta have the ability to make the deal permanent at €26m.
This would explain why €30m certainly wasn’t enough, but €45m, meaning a €19m profit on a player you’ve only had for one year? That’s quite the turnaround.
Much like in their efforts to sign Edin Dzeko, West Ham will face competition, and it will most likely come from Inter.
Certainly one we’ll be looking out for going forward.
