Sunderland’s chase for Artem Dovbyk has taken another turn after transfer insider Fabrizio Romano shared a new update on the striker’s situation.
The Ukrainian international has been heavily linked with a Premier League switch in recent weeks, with Sunderland, Leeds United, and West Ham among the clubs keeping a close eye. Reports in Italy claim AS Roma are willing to cash in, but only for a substantial offer.
Romano clarified on social media: “There’s nothing advanced between Artem Dovbyk and Villarreal at this stage. No approval for a loan move from the player’s side, and no agreement between Villarreal and Roma.”
Dovbyk only joined Roma last summer from Girona in a deal worth around £25.9m, but the Serie A side would want to recover most of that outlay. It’s understood they would demand at least £23.3m for the 28-year-old, with plans to reinvest the money into a replacement forward.
Meanwhile, Everton have reportedly stepped up their pursuit, tabling a £37m bid in a bid to lure him to Goodison Park. Roma’s stance on that proposal is still unclear, but Dovbyk is believed to be open to a Premier League move—keeping Sunderland, Leeds, and West Ham interested as the window nears its end.
The striker made a strong impression in his debut Serie A campaign, registering 17 goals and four assists in 45 matches across all competitions, including 12 league goals. Before joining Roma, he had claimed the La Liga Golden Boot with Girona in 2023 after netting 24 goals and firing the club into the Champions League for the first time in its history.
Over his senior career, Dovbyk has scored 122 goals in 273 appearances at club level, along with 11 goals in 36 caps for Ukraine. With no acceptable bids yet received, Sunderland and other suitors may be in for a fierce battle before the transfer deadline.
Elsewhere in Sunderland transfer news, young striker Luís Semedo has completed a season-long loan move to Portuguese side Moreirense, according to A Bola. The 22-year-old, signed from Benfica in 2023, spent last season with Juventus Next Gen, where he scored twice in 28 outings. Though under contract at the Stadium of Light until 2028, Semedo has been sent out to gain more regular minutes, with opportunities limited under Régis Le Bris.
With less than a week remaining before the window shuts, Sunderland’s recruitment team continue to work on both incomings and outgoings. The Black Cats return to action on Tuesday night in the Carabao Cup against Huddersfield Town, before a Premier League clash with Brentford at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
