Duvan Zapata agent on ‘fantastic’ Inter idea

Duvan Zapata’s agent admits it’d be ‘fantastic’ to replace Romelu Lukaku, but insists he has ‘not discussed’ a move with Atalanta or Inter.

With Chelsea prepared to offer €130m in cash (£110.8m) for Lukaku, the Nerazzurri need to find a suitable replacement for their top scorer.

Colombia international Duvan Zapata was pinpointed as one of their first choices, with an asking price of circa €50m.

“I have not discussed this with Atalanta, nor has there been any contact with Inter,” agent Fernando Schena told FCInter1908.

“Obviously, if Inter do make us a proposal, we’ll evaluate it along with Duvan. Right now he is concentrated on preparing in the best way for Atalanta.

“Of course, being Lukaku’s heir would be fantastic.”

Duvan Zapata is already 30 years old, but has a similar build and playing style to Lukaku, able to hold up the ball and show remarkable pace combined with power and physicality.

He scored 19 goals and provided 14 assists in 49 competitive games for Atalanta last season, including 15 strikes in Serie A alone.

The centre-forward featured for Colombia in the Copa America this summer and helped La Dea reach the Coppa Italia Final last term.

Another option for Inter could be Dusan Vlahovic, but Fiorentina want over €60m to sell the 21-year-old Serbia international.