Roma striker Artem Dovbyk is being heavily linked with a move to Leeds United this summer in Italian media and now, Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini has commented on the reports.
Gasperini is busy preparing his side for his first season as Roma manager, after spending nine years with Atalanta as boss. The experienced Italian gaffer is trying to sort out his attacking options at the Olimpico.
One question mark is the future of Artem Dovbyk. Costing Roma a fee believed to be north of £30m last summer after winning the La Liga golden boot in 2023-24 with Girona, Dovbyk scored 17 goals last term.
But he has failed to convince at Roma and reports say the Serie A side club are willing to sell him. Leeds and West Ham have opened talks for Dovbyk, with Leeds sending scouts to watch Dovbyk on Saturday.
Everton v AS Roma - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Roma manager discusses Artem Dovbyk reports and his training
It has been claimed in Italian media that Gasperini is not a fan of Dovbyk, and that new signing Evan Ferguson has immediately climbed above the Ukraine international in the pecking order at Roma.
But Gasperini hit back at those reports, making it clear that he rates every Roma player while they are on the books at the Serie A giants. As per TMW, he also explains how Dovbyk is training well after an injury.
“He’s been sidelined for a long time, he’s recovering physically, working hard in training. I read that I don’t like Dovbyk, don’t write that, because I never say that. I like all Roma players while they’re at Roma.
“I’ll give my all to work on them, especially because, as I said, they’re incredibly dedicated; they train really well, and for me that’s already more than enough. You can judge their performances,” Gasperini said.
Artem Dovbyk in Roma pre-season training.
Photo by Luciano Rossi/AS Roma via Getty Images
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No surprises as Sunderland join Artem Dovbyk race
A growing trend this summer has been Sunderland signing players that were on the Leeds list. Habib Diarra, Reinildo Mandava, Noah Sadiki and new signing Marc Guiu who has joined on loan from Chelsea.
Now, Sunderland have made enquiries over a deal to sign Dovbyk. It is unclear what Dovbyk wants this summer, whether he wants to leave Rome after just one season and try his hand in the Premier League.
One thing is for sure, and that is Leeds need a striker as soon as possible. The Whites go into the new season with just Joel Piroe and Lukas Nmecha as options up front, as well as 16-year-old Harry Gray.