Now we all know that Arsene Wenger is always looking for an uncut diamond when he goes searching for new Arsenal players, but some of his purchases have defied belief, like the 1million laid out for the French Second Division “star” Yaya Sanogo.
Well now he reportedly has an eye on another unknown striker called Duvon Zapata, who is a Columbian ex-U20international, who is currently on loan at Udinese from Napoli. Zapata was definitely considered to be talented a few years ago after he scored 19 goals in 44 matches for the Argentinian side Estudiantes, and was therefore brought over to Europe by Napoli.
In two years at the Serie A side he made 37 appearances for a tally of 11 goals, but obviously wasn’t impressive enough as this season just gone he was sent to Udinese on loan. Again he wasn’t out of the ordinary, scoring 8 goals in 25 Serie A games, but spent much of his time out injured after hip surgery.
But according to the Udinese President Franco Soldati, he has been monitored by Arsenal, and they have made an offer. “There is a clause that allows Napoli to recall him early from the two-year loan,” Soldati said.
“He is very happy in Udine, his agent said that too and I hope he can remain with our jersey.
“He also received many offers from abroad, including from Arsenal. However, first we want Coach Beppe Iachini to get to know the team so they can make shared decisions.”
Now my question has to be: Why have Arsenal made an offer for an ordinary unknown striker that has spent half the season out injured? That sounds like a typical Wenger signing to me!