Atalanta striker Duvan Zapata has admitted he was an Arsenal fan as a child, and he won’t rule out a Premier League move in the future.

Duvan Zapata of Atalanta BC during Hellas Verona vs Atalanta BC, Italian football Serie A match in Verona, Italy, March 21, 2021. Copyright: Alessio Marini / IPA / LiveMedia
Duvan Zapata of Atalanta BC during Hellas Verona vs Atalanta BC, Italian football Serie A match in Verona, Italy, March 21, 2021. Copyright: Alessio Marini / IPA / LiveMedia

Speaking to the Italian media this week, Atalanta and Colombia striker Duvan Zapata answered questions on whether he might see himself in the Premier League in the future.

“Never say never in football,” Zapata responded. “When I was a child, I was always watching the Premier League – I was an Arsenal fan! I woke up early every weekend to see their matches.”

In all honesty, this isn’t exactly surprising. Zapata grew up during the era of Arsenal and Manchester United’s dominance of the Premier League, so being an Arsenal fan meant watching your team battle it out for the title every year.

On top of that, it was Arsene Wenger at his peak, showcasing beautiful and ruthless football week after week.

Zapata is having a great season with Atalanta, scoring 14 goals and assisting a further 10 to help them up to 4th in Serie A and the Coppa Italia final.

That form may not be enough to convince Arsenal to invest in a striker who turned 30 this week, but you never know. Zapata has a contract for a further two seasons with Atalanta after this summer.