Roma have increased the likelihood of making Atalanta striker Duvan Zapata their new center-forward. According to Calciomercato, the Giallorossi have sealed an all-important agreement with the player over a multi-year contract.
Zapata has reportedly agreed to a three-year deal worth €2.7 million net per season plus €300,000 in add-ons. Despite emerging as Jose Mourinho’s last option, the 32-year-old is closest to joining the Stadio Olimpico giants. But Roma must present a satisfying proposal to Atalanta.
While La Dea look open to selling the Colombian forward, there’s still some discrepancy between their request and Roma’s bid. Last season’s beaten Europa League finalists want to pay €2m for Zapata’s season-long loan, while Atalanta insists on a €3m fee.
The parties have already determined a mandatory buy option. Roma would have to allocate between €9-10m to turn Zapata’s move permanent next summer. That could be in vain unless they can define the costs of the initial loan.
After being rejected by Gianluca Scamacca and Alvaro Morata, Roma boss Mourinho has turned to Zapata as a last-gasp resort to address his center-forward woes. Andrea Belotti might have earned a new deal in Rome, but his performances last term flattered to deceive.
Without Tammy Abraham, Roma have lost their secondary source of goals, with Paulo Dybala soaking up the limelight as the team’s most prolific goal-getter. Zapata, who has spent the last ten years in Serie A, could be a decent short-term solution.
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