West Ham saw deadline day snare for Colombian fail – but summer move could be on
Last-gasp West Ham saw attempts to complete the loan signing of Atalanta forward Duvan Zapata on deadline day knocked back, according to a report.
The Hammers tracked a number of forward players in the January window. Indeed, they were in pursuit of Zapata – who they have held an interest in for years – right until close of play.
The East London side have had only one recognised senior striker available to them all season. In fact, they have now failed to replace Sebastian Haller in three separate windows.
The lack of an inbound striker means that Michail Antonio will remain unchallenged as the Hammers No.9. What’s more, should he sustain an injury, a wide player will have to deputise up top once again.
David Moyes tried everything in his power to change that. His side pursued prolific Benfica forward Darwin Nunez, though that avenue was ultimately a dead end.
According to Sky Sports News, the Hammers attempted to take Atalanta’s Zapata on board late on.
The Colombian would have been a good signing. He has been prolific in Serie A for years, surpassing 10 league goals in each of the previous five seasons.
West Ham reportedly had some of the paperwork for the loan deal done, but were too late on some of the criteria.
The side did not make a single January signing, though not for the want of trying. They may well attempt to lure in Zapata in the summer, though.
The battle for a top-four finish will now hinge on the star players Moyes already has available to him.
Zapata one of few Hammers nearly-signings
West Ham were tracking Benfica forward Nunez for much of the window. The deal eventually fell through on the final day, with the logistics not helping their pursuit.
It looked as if a deal was completed in the latter stages of the January window.
Benfica agreed, before going back on their word later on.
That left West Ham with a choice on whether to go in with a revised bid or not. However, with Nunez away on international duty, and it being the final day of the window, the deal would have been near impossible to complete in time.
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