In a clear signal of aggressive squad restructuring, AS Roma has initiated contact with multiple Premier League clubs, offering the services of Ukrainian international striker Artem Dovbyk, an asset they acquired just 18 months ago for a significant fee of £33 million. The availability of a proven goalscorer on potentially low-risk terms presents an unexpected opportunity for clubs seeking mid-season reinforcements.
The Unexpected Market Availability
Artem Dovbyk, the 28-year-old forward, is currently deemed surplus to requirements at Roma. Despite the substantial investment made when securing him from Girona, Dovbyk has been informed he does not feature in the long-term architectural plans of manager Gian Piero Gasperini.
The circumstances surrounding his departure are not performance-based failures but rather a direct consequence of Roma`s commitment to an immediate offensive overhaul. The club is actively pursuing targets such as Giacomo Raspadori from Atletico Madrid and is looking to finalize a loan deal with an obligation to buy for Manchester United`s Joshua Zirkzee. When a club commits to such a definitive refresh, previously valuable assets inevitably become logistical concerns.
A High-Value Asset on Low-Risk Terms
The urgency of the situation has driven Roma and Dovbyk`s representatives to initiate a widespread outreach campaign across Europe, specifically targeting the English football structure. The critical detail for potential suitors is the proposed mechanism of the transfer: Roma is understood to be amenable to a loan deal.
This structure significantly de-risks the acquisition for interested parties, transforming a complicated £33 million transfer negotiation into a short-term commitment to evaluate performance and integration. For clubs operating with constrained January budgets, this offers a compelling combination of low outlay and potentially high reward.
The Premier League Candidates
Intermediaries have specifically approached clubs in the Premier League seeking immediate attacking capability. The primary targets offered Dovbyk include:
- West Ham United: The Hammers are in clear need of a reliable focal point. With the rumored temporary departure of Niclas Fullkrug to AC Milan and a persistent trend of starting matches without a recognized, dedicated center-forward, Dovbyk represents a rapid solution to an ongoing tactical challenge.
- Leeds United: While Dominic Calvert-Lewin has demonstrated recent flashes of formidable form, his historical injury record dictates the necessity for adequate depth. Relying solely on one striker—no matter how capable—is a non-viable strategy in the rigorous Premier League calendar. Dovbyk would offer competitive cover or a viable partner.
Further interest was also gauged with Sunderland and Everton. Interestingly, due to the relationship between Roma`s owners (the Friedkins) and Everton, the Merseyside club was made explicitly aware of Dovbyk`s availability. However, technical staff at Everton have reportedly expressed little internal appetite for the transfer at this time, suggesting they may be pursuing alternate targets or prioritizing other areas of the squad.
Dovbyk`s Performance Metrics: The Proven Record
The underlying value proposition remains Dovbyk`s undeniable history of finding the back of the net. While his stock may have temporarily dipped under Gasperini`s brief tenure, his previous output speaks to a high level of efficiency:
- Prior to Roma, he recorded an astonishing 24 goals in LaLiga for Girona.
- In his first full season at Roma, he managed 17 goals across all competitions.
The current situation is less about a failure of ability and more about a misalignment with the tactical geometry being implemented by the new management structure in Rome. For any Premier League club ready to integrate a player with that scoring pedigree, the availability of Dovbyk via a loan agreement represents one of the most intriguing transfer possibilities of the January window. It is a calculated gamble, but one where the potential upside far outweighs the temporary cost of acquisition.
