[Mercato] Genoa get hold of Zapater

Genoa have continued to reinforce their squad ahead of the new season, signing defensive midfielder Alberto Zapater from Real Zaragoza for a reported fee of 4.5million euros.

The 24-year-old is expected to take the place of Thiago Motta after his move to Inter along with Diego Milito, who recommended his former Zaragoza colleague to Genoa.

Former Spanish Under-21 international Zapater made his Zaragoza debut aged 19 and his performances led to him being dubbed "a real bull" by Diego Maradona.

Last season Zapater played a key role in Zaragoza's promotion back to the Spanish top-flight.

"Milito told me many great things about Genoa," Zapater said. "I look forward to getting started."

Genoa, who begin the new Serie A season at home to Roma on August 23, start their UEFA Europa League bid in the Play-off round on 20 and 27 August, discovering their opponents in next Friday's draw.

They have been busy in the transfer market this summer having already signed Rodrigo Palacio, Hernan Crespo, Houssine Kharja, Nenad Tomovic and Sergio Floccari, with centre-back Andrea Esposito also set to join from Lecce after completing a medical.

Source: UEFA