Not for the first time – and probably not for the last either – West Ham United’s name has appeared alongside Roma striker Artem Dovbyk in the gossip columns.
At least, last time this happened, there was a very good reason for it.
Ukraine international Artem Dovbyk confirmed talks with West Ham during an eye-opening interview a few months ago. He discussed a potential switch to the London Stadium with Julen Lopetegui – still new to the Hammers dugout at the time – before choosing Roma over a handful of other suitors which included Atletico Madrid and those deep-pocketed Saudi Pro League clubs.
Now, with Roma building up to their Serie A opener against Bologna at the end of the month, Dovbyk’s future is once again eating up plenty of column inches.
And, as is usually the case when it comes to centre-forwards facing an uncertain end to the window, West Ham United are close by.
Yet, while Hammers News can confirm that a centre-midfielder is the current priority rather than a centre-forward, Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini insists that rumours of Dovbyk’s Giallorossi demise have been somewhat exaggerated.
Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini plays down Artem Dovbyk to West Ham United rumours
After claiming the La Liga Golden Boot in 2024, firing unfancied Girona into the Champions League for the very first time, Dovbyk scored an underwhelming 12 goals in 32 Serie A appearances in a Roma shirt.
And after a certain Brighton loanee started his Roma career with a 24-minute pre-season hat-trick, there is no guarantee that he will begin the season as Gasperini’s go-to number nine.
Yet, despite renewed competition in the shape of a determined Evan Ferguson, the legendary former Atalanta coach is keen to dispel claims that Dovbyk is not part of his short or long-term plans.
Make no mistake, if Gasperini didn’t want the £23 million-rated Dovbyk, he wouldn’t be shy in saying it.
“He’s been sidelined for a long time. He’s recovering physically and he’s working hard in training,” says the always-outspoken coach, the one-time Midtjylland and Dnipro targetman working his way back from a muscle problem.
“I read that I don’t like Dovbyk. But don’t write that, because I never said that. I like all Roma players while they’re at Roma, and I’ll give my all to work on them especially because they are incredibly dedicated.
“They train really well and, for me, that’s already more than enough. You can judge their performances [on the training pitch].”
West Ham prioritising Southampton’s Mateus Fernandes amid reported Idrissa Gueye talks
Speculation claiming that Roma remain interested in Konstantinos Mavropanos may have some wondering if there is the potential for a swap deal to take place.
However, recent signs suggest that if West Ham are to sign a striker, it will be a young, affordable one capable of honing his talents under the wing of Niclas Fullkrug and Callum Wilson.
French publication Foot Mercato claim that West Ham are in talks with Metz sensation Idrissa Gueye. An 18-year-old Senegal international who exploded onto the scene with six goals in 13 starts from January to June.
The number one priority right now, meanwhile, is a midfielder capable of bringing the ball-carrying dynamism and the off-the-ball tenacity Potter is crying out for.
Southampton rejected West Ham’s first Mateus Fernandes bid on Tuesday, holding out for almost double the £30 million fee put forward by the Londoners.
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