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West Ham were just signature away from Duvan Zapata in January - report
West Ham were just a signature away from securing Atalanta ace Duvan Zapata towards the end of the January transfer window, according to ESPN.
Despite the deal being arranged with just hours left in the window and the high number of Italian agents being involved in the deal, an agreement was made between the two clubs.
However, with the Hammers and Zapata both signing the necessary documents, Atalanta ‘went missing’ causing the deal to fall through.
Nightmare
The Italian club clearly didn’t want to let go of one of, if not, their best players which is understandable.
Atalanta essentially toyed with the Hammers and their own player having no interest to let the 30-year-old go.
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It was horrible news for everyone involved with the Hammers with a deal that we needed so desperately falling on the last hurdle.
It’s difficult to call not knowing how the season will pan out but the Irons have probably dodged a bullet with the deal falling through.
Their sheer desperation to provide Michail Antonio with back up nearly resulted in David Sullivan and co forking out an extortionate fee for a player aged 30.
Not only is he a complete novice in England but he has just suffered a season ending injury which would have been a nightmare had he come to east London.
This needs to be a lesson to the Hammers going forward. Don’t leave all your business to the last minute and try and panic buy your way through the window in the last week.
In other Irons news, View: Zouma starts, senior ace returns – predicted West Ham XI v Leicester.