CM: Dovbyk offered to Milan and Juventus while blocking Roma’s mercato – the response

Artem Dovbyk could become an opportunity in AC Milan’s pursuit of a new striker, with AS Roma open to selling him.

According to Calciomercato.com, Gian Piero Gasperini wants a centre-forward to partner Evan Ferguson and protect him if the Irishman’s fitness issues return. To do so, however, he needs to sell Dovbyk, who is currently holding up everything.

Exit door open

The new Giallorossi coach doesn’t see Dovbyk as the perfect fit for his system or his way of playing. For this reason, Gasperini has given the green light for his departure, which should be preparatory to a new signing.

Dovbyk and Ferguson have essentially alternated in Gasperini’s rotations during this first part of preseason. The two continue to let the press know they can play together, but the former Atalanta coach is developing the idea of Ferguson as his first choice, with a new striker to arrive.

The Ukrainian was bought from Girona for €38.5m in bonuses and with a 10% resale clause in favour of the LaLiga club. Today, despite a year of depreciation already accounted for, Roma want a €10m capital gain and therefore €40m to sell.

It is a figure that is scaring the interested clubs. In the last few hours – after Atletico Madrid left the scene – even Villarreal have backed out because they have no intention of paying that much.

Agents and intermediaries are working to find a top European club willing to invest these sums, and in recent weeks Dovbyk has also been offered to Milan and Juventus. These clubs are still searching for a No. 9 and have Dusan Vlahovic and Randal Kolo Muani as their respective main targets.

Dovbyk is effectively holding back Roma’s plans, and they may find themselves forced to either keep him or lower their demands, which could entice the Rossoneri. Then, they can go for Fabio Silva of Las Palmas or Lecce’s Nikola Krstović.