Duvan Zapata of Atalanta BC celebrates after scoring his team third goal during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio and Atalanta BC at Stadio Ennio Tardini. (Getty Images)
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Ideal partner for Haller? – Here’s why West Ham must go all out to sign this 28-goal hitman

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Why Duvan Zapata would be a solid signing for West Ham

Back in July, the Sun had claimed that West Ham were interested in signing Sampdoria striker Duvan Zapata, who had scored 28 goals on loan for Atalanta last season.

Last year, Duvan Zapata, 28, joined Atalanta on a two-season loan deal from Sampdoria with an option to purchase. He scored 28 times to fire Atalanta to their first-ever Champions League qualification. And seven goals in nine games so far this campaign is an impressive tally.

With West Ham struggling now, the January transfer window would be the perfect time to rekindle interest in the Colombian hitman.

Manuel Pellegrini has come under fire after a terrible run of results that has seen the Hammers slide from top-six contenders to the edge of a relegation battle. Their recent loss to London rivals Tottenham has certainly compounded their troubles.

Duvan Zapata was sensational for Atalanta last season. (Getty Images)
Duvan Zapata was sensational for Atalanta last season. (Getty Images)

West Ham backed Pellegrini in the summer by breaking the club record to sign striker Sebastien Haller and Spanish attacker Pablo Fornals from Villarreal.

Despite making a fine start to life in England, Haller has been poor over the past six weeks or so. He has failed to consistently find the back of the net but one cannot blame the Frenchman entirely.

The 25-year-old has looked totally isolated upfront. Albian Ajeti was signed from FC Basel as well in the summer but the 22-year-old has not played enough this season.

In the games he has played for the Hammers, Ajeti hasn’t been convincing at all. Thus, the east Londoners would do themselves a favour by signing a new striker in January and Zapata is capable of firing them to new heights.

Zapata has been in excellent form over the past 18 months in the Serie A, banging goals in left, right and centre. The 28-year-old has the required attributes to thrive in the hustle and bustle of the Premier League.

West Ham striker Sebastien Haller has struggled of late. (Getty Images)
West Ham striker Sebastien Haller has struggled of late. (Getty Images)

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The former Napoli man could also form an absolutely rip-roaring partnership with Haller. He would certainly help bring out the best in the Frenchman, whilst making a massive difference at the London Stadium.

Verdict

West Ham are playing a dangerous game with just two senior strikers, with one struggling to make any sort of an impression so far.

Signing Zapata in January would boost the Hammers’ chances of a top-eight finish at the very least.

However, the only stumbling block could be that Zapata is currently out injured and his return date from injury remains unknown.