Fulham approach Atalanta forward Duvan Zapata after his loan move to Roma collapses – while exploring a move for AZ Alkmaar defender Yukinari Sugawara
Fulham have checked on Atalanta forward Duvan Zapata who saw a loan to Roma fall through this week.
Marco Silva‘s side are still in the market for a new striker despite signing former Wolves star Raul Jimenez this summer, following Aleksandar Mitrovic’s £46million move to Saudi giants Al-Hilal.
Zapata, who like Mitrovic is a traditional target forward, was on the brink of signing for Roma on loan this summer, but the Colombian reportedly expressed doubts and the deal has fallen through at the 11th hour.
Although reports in Italy suggest Zapata is leaning towards staying at Atalanta, Fulham have approached the striker to see if he’s keen on a move to west London.
Meanwhile, the Cottagers are also exploring a move for AZ Alkmaar defender Yukinari Sugawara.
Fulham have checked on Atalanta forward Duvan Zapata, who saw a loan to Roma fall through
The west London club are also exploring a move for AZ Alkmaar defender Yukinari Sugawara
The Japanese star is being viewed as an option to replace Kenny Tete, who may leave the club amid interest from Bayern Munich.
Fulham have also lured ex-Wolves and Barcelona star Adama Traore to Craven Cottage alongside former Ajax centre-back Calvin Bassey.
Silva’s side, who began their campaign with a 1-0 win over Everton at Goodison Park, suffered a dismal 3-0 home defeat against Brentford last weekend.
The Cottagers will hope to bounce back with a result against title challengers Arsenal on Saturday.
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Dream Arsenal line-up vs Fulham as Gabriel Jesus returns early and Trossard finally starts
Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus feature in football.london’s dream Arsenal line-up for their Premier League clash with Fulham.
Arsenal have made it to the third Premier League matchday with a 100% record after recording wins over Nottingham Forest at home and Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
There were scares in both matches after a late Forest goal on the opening day and Takehiro Tomiyasu’s red card despite a slender 1-0 lead at Palace yet the Gunners came through.
With the visit of Fulham, ideally, the Gunners need to start building up their goal difference. Fulham were well beaten at home by Brentford last week, and have lost Tim Ream to suspension after a controversial red card call.
Whilst forced changes are on the cards for the visitors, rotation should be on the mind of Mikel Arteta with such a squad he has at his disposal. Not only that, but his options have just got even more varied with the return of Gabriel Jesus.
The Brazilian returned to training this week and could be in contention. This is a dream line-up scenario so in the event that his recovery is so swift he’s deemed ready to come back, it’d be great to see him involved. But his recovery should certainly be prioritised, and if he is not 100% then Eddie Nketiah has proven more than capable of stepping in so far.
Alongside the striker will be Bukayo Saka, but it is on the left flank where there is scope for change. Leandro Trossard was an unused substitute against Palace. Therefore, he could come into the game with Fulham completely fresh and motivated to win a starting spot in the side ahead of the visit of Manchester United.
The side otherwise remains unchanged, which means Thomas Partey and Kai Havertz keep their places. Havertz’s performance earlier this week went under the radar but his contribution was integral to the victory.
Partey, meanwhile, is playing a new hybrid position on the right but it has allowed the Gunners dominance in possession. This will be important this weekend but an increase in chance creation should be the challenge.
Dream Arsenal XI vs Fulham: Ramsdale; Partey, White, Saliba, Zinchenko; Rice, Havertz, Odegaard; Saka, Jesus, Trossard.
