Duvan Zapata edges closer to Atalanta stay despite Roma interest

Duvan Zapata’s chances of joining Serie A side Roma this summer are fading due to a lack of green light from Atalanta management.

According to a tweet by Fabrizio Romano, Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has expressed disapproval of his club’s negotiations with league counterparts Roma regarding the transfer of Duvan Zapata and he wants the striker to stay.

The Italian manager sees the Colombian playing a bigger role this season as El Bilal Toure will be out with an injury for a long time. 

The 32-year-old has already agreed personal terms with the Giallorossi who have set a deadline to sign the player. However, the deal cannot progress unless La Dea enter into talks with the suitors in the next few hours. 

All factors indicate Zapata continuing at Bergamo as Gasperini indeed has a shortage of attacking options at his disposal this season. The striker scored two goals and registered two assists in 25 league appearances last season as Atalanta went on to finish fifth in the Serie A standings. 

Trambak Bhattacherjee | GIFN