Rome Transfer Market: An Old Friend for Artem Dovbyk

Talks between Roma and Genoa regarding Artem Dovbyk are continuing nonstop. The Ukrainian forward is considering the possibility of joining the Rossoblù with interest, although it will still take some time to bridge the gap between the two clubs’ demands.

The deal could take shape as a loan with an option to buy, while Roma would be willing to cover part of the striker’s salary. Dovbyk does not fit into Gian Piero Gasperini’s tactical plans, while Daniele De Rossi has already had the chance to appreciate him during the brief time he had him at his disposal with the Giallorossi.

The relationship between Dovbyk and Roma has been troubled from the start. Last season, Gasperini started him just three times in Serie A and three times in the Europa League, with a very meager goal tally. To further complicate matters, he also underwent surgery for a myotendinous injury to his left thigh, which kept him off the field for about two months, slowing down the plans of sporting director Massara, who was already working on a transfer to make room for new attacking reinforcements.

Throughout the season, Dovbyk’s name had been linked to several clubs. In the winter, there was persistent talk of interest from Betis Sevilla, which had submitted an offer including two players—Cedric Bakambu and Chimy Avilà—as well as a cash component, in an attempt to lower Roma’s financial demands. The Giallorossi management, however, had shown no willingness to accept a lower offer, given the initial investment of over 30 million euros made to bring the Ukrainian from Atlético Madrid to the capital.

Napoli had also tested the waters in recent months, considering the possibility of a swap deal involving Lorenzo Lucca, another forward who had failed to live up to expectations at his new club. The deal, however, never materialized, partly because Dovbyk seemed more inclined at the time toward a move to the Premier League.