Leeds United and West Ham face a fight for the signature of Artem Dovbyk after reports that Roma have fielded an offer for the striker.
Artem Dovbyk is a man in demand this summer with serious Premier League interest in the striker who looks set to leave the Italian capital.
Newly-promoted Leeds United are in the market for a new number nine, with both Mateo Joseph and Patrick Bamford likely to leave this summer, and are reported to have enquired about Dovbyk.
However, the Whites face competition from several clubs, including their Premier League rivals West Ham, who are on the verge of signing John Victor, as Roma look to offload the forward after signing Evan Ferguson from Brighton.
Now, according to reports in Spain, the competition for Dovbyk’s signature has stepped up a notch as a La Liga side has made an offer for the striker.
Artem Dovbyk in action during Roma v Cannes - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Villarreal look to beat Leeds United and West Ham to Artem Dovbyk deal
According to a report in AS, Leeds’ most recent friendly opponents, Villarreal, have had an opening offer for Dovbyk rejected.
AS asserts that Villarreal made an initial loan offer for Dovbyk, which was rejected by the Italian club. The report states: “The Castellón team was interested in a loan for this season, rather than a transfer, and would later consider other options for next season.
“But Roma, who paid 30 million [euros] for Dovbyk last season to Girona, are looking for a sale that would recoup their investment.
“After this initial move, it remains to be seen whether Villarreal are willing to make a bigger push for Dovbyk in a possible second attempt to sign the player. However, it seems unlikely that the team from La Plana will reach a price above 20 million [euros].”
Artem Dovbyk controls the ball during AS Roma v Fiorentina - Serie A
Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images
How many goals did Artem Dovbyk score for Roma last season?
Whilst Leeds and West Ham will not welcome the arrival of a new rival for Dovbyk, the fact that Villarreal are unlikely to go above 20 million euros (around £17 million) means they are unlikely to match the financial muscle of the two Premier League sides.
The 28-year-old Ukrainian international only joined Roma at the start of the 2024/25 season, after impressing with 24 goals in 36 games for Girona in La Liga, and 25 in 41 games overall.
Year Club Appearances Goals Assists
2024/25 Roma 45 17 4
2023/24 Girona 41 25 10
2022/23 SC Dnipro 39 29 8
Artem Dovbyk’s goalscoring record – last 3 seasons
However, he struggled to make the same impact in Rome, as he managed 17 goals in 45 appearances, with 12 goals in 32 Serie A appearances.
His overall track record of 131 goals in 270 games proves that Dovbyk has an eye for goal. Leeds and West Ham will hope that he can rediscover his scoring form with the right next move.