The first bid by Newcastle for Duvan Zapata did not convince Atalanta. The Magpies are plotting to raise it, and it remains to be seen whether they will be successful given La Dea’s considerable demands. There is still time, though, and the stunning transfer is not totally out of the question.
According to Calciomercato.com, the English outfit proposed a €5M fee for an initial loan and an €18M conditioned obligation to buy. Some bonuses would have pushed the package to €30M. Atalanta have no intentions of doing the deal at those terms, as they want €40M, preferably on the nail. They could accept a delayed payment, but not tied to whether the prospective buyers will avoid relegation or not.
Newcastle offered a sizeable contract to Zapata, €6M annually for three-and-a-half years, who is thinking about it. It is unlikely that they will sign the Colombian striker and Robin Gosens together. Atalanta do not want to sell both. Moreover, the English outfit is wary of the fullback’s physical conditions.
Should they cash in on their star, the Nerazzurri would make a move to acquire Andrea Belotti in January, the site adds. The Torino captain is on an expiring contract and on his way out. The Bergamaschi have yet to finalize the acquisition of Jeremie Boga, who took the medicals in early January. They are ironing out the commissions with his agents, but the acquisition is not in jeopardy. Genoa have won the race for Roberto Piccoli, who will join on loan.