Juventus want Atalanta striker Zapata as Higuain sets to leave

Atalanta Colombian pro striker Duvan Zapata. In the photo, Zapata celebrates goal against Maurizio Sarri's Juventus inside the Allianz Stadium. The Serie A match ended 2-2. Photo: Mattia Ozbot/Soccrates/Getty Images

Juventus have reportedly set their sights on Duvan Zapata, offering €30m plus Mattia Perin for the Atalanta striker.

Arkadiusz Milik, Edin Dzeko and even
Alexandre Lacazette seemed to be Juve’s preferred No 9 targets, but Corriere dello Sport writes it has been Zapata all along.

As per the newspaper, talks between sporting director Fabio Paratici and Atalanta officials have been going on for some time.

With that in mind, Paratici has tabled a bid of €30m plus Perin, who is currently on loan at Genoa but has been linked with the Dea in the past.

Atalanta striker Duvan Zapata celebrates with teammates after scoring against Juventus. Photo: Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images

Maurizio Sarri barely used Zapata at Napoli, but the 29-year-old has been a huge hit in Bergamo, scoring another 18 goals this season.

He would replace Gonzalo Higuain, who seems increasingly likely to leave the Bianconeri at the end of the season.