Everton signing Atalanta striker Duvan Zapata would be a "big risk", says journalist Simon Phillips.
The 31-year-old is said to be a target for the Toffees but has had a few injury problems recently and is not Premier League proven.
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Everton transfer news - Duvan Zapata
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has told GiveMeSport that Everton are set to hold more talks with Atalanta over a deal for Zapata.
According to the MailOnline, the Merseyside club, as well as West Ham, have already asked about the Colombian.
Regarding how much Zapata could cost Everton, West Ham or Nottingham Forest, who are also thought to be interested in his signature, the same outlet claims he is valued at £25m.
Up front is an area Frank Lampard needs to strengthen, with his current first-choice striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin struggling to stay fit.
What has Simon Phillips said about Duvan Zapata and Everton?
Phillips thinks Everton would be taking a gamble on Zapata.
Speaking to GMS, the journalist said: "I think if they go down that route with Zapata, you could end up taking a big risk there. I don't think they should do that."
Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: Confirmed Deals, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know
Duvan Zapata's stats for Atalanta
While Zapata has had some fitness issues at Atalanta, his goal record there is still pretty good.
As per Transfermarkt, in 175 games for the Italian side, the former Sampdoria man has registered 80 times.
He has had a few prolific seasons for them, scoring 18 Serie A goals in the 2019/20 campaign and 23 the one prior.
When Zapata is fit, he is capable of finding the back of the net. South American football expert Tim Vickery, speaking to Sky Sports (via Daily Express), has even described him as a "fearsome prospect".
The question is, though, will the above translate to English football's top division? The Colombia international may need time to adapt and then hit top form, something Everton do not have. £25m is also a lot of money to spend on someone who turns 32 this year, so you certainly can see the risk involved here.
Whatever the case, Everton need to sign a new forward this month. As already mentioned, Calvert-Lewin is not always available, while Neal Maupay has not been the most prolific No.9 in the country this season.
In fact, in his first 15 games for the Goodison Park outfit, the former Brighton man managed to score just one goal, as shown on Transfermarkt.
Is Zapata the answer? That remains to be seen, but it is easy to understand why Everton are interested in him.
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