Soccer Football - Serie A - AS Roma v Atalanta - Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy - December 2, 2024 AS Roma's Artem Dovbyk in action with Atalanta's Isak Hien REUTERS/Alberto Lingria
Newcastle United are focused on securing the signing of a striker before the transfer window closes, after being the talk of the summer.
The Magpies qualified for Champions League football and lifted their first major trophy in 70 years last season, leaving supporters confident about the club’s recruitment and direction.
However, star striker Alexander Isak threw a spanner in the works last month when he expressed a desire to move on, prompting a £110m bid from Premier League champions Liverpool – a bid quickly rejected.
Newcastle have reiterated on several occasions that there is no intention to let Isak leave this summer, though that hasn’t stopped the media frenzy from overshadowing their strong business.
Anthony Elanga, Malick Thiaw, Aaron Ramsdale and Jacob Ramsey have all joined the North East giants’ ambitious project, but the signing of a striker remains a priority in the final days of the window.
St James’ Park hosted Liverpool last night in an aggressive clash that saw Newcastle suffer multiple injuries, as well as a red card for Anthony Gordon.
Gordon’s suspension leaves the Magpies in an even more precarious position ahead of their clash with Leeds United at the weekend, as he was standing in for the absent Isak in the centre-forward role.
It has now been reported that intermediaries are working on a deal for AS Roma striker Artem Dovbyk to join Newcastle this week.
Journalist Filippo Biafora wrote on social media platform X:
“Some intermediaries are trying to set up a deal to bring Artem #Dovbyk to #Newcastle, as the English club is looking for a striker. A lead to follow in the coming days.”
Should Newcastle sign Artem Dovbyk?
There is no doubt that Newcastle will be eager to resolve their striker situation in the next six days, particularly with uncertainty surrounding Isak.
Manager Eddie Howe has made it clear in his press conferences that the club are seeking a long-term replacement for Callum Wilson.
However, any new arrival will not mean sanctioning a departure for their unsettled forward.
Dovbyk would add a powerful, aggressive presence in attack, with strengths in finishing, link-up play and aerial ability, all qualities that would be warmly welcomed on Tyneside.
The 28-year-old Ukrainian – once dubbed a “tank” by football analyst Iván Quirós – stole the spotlight during his breakout La Liga season with Girona in 2023/24, where he scored 24 goals to help them qualify for their first-ever Champions League.
He then joined Roma in a £33m move last summer, scoring 17 goals and registering four assists, averaging a goal contribution every 152 minutes – an output that would significantly boost Newcastle’s front line.
The striker’s profile is quite different from Isak’s, so if Howe can repair relations with the Swede once the window closes, the addition of Dovbyk would give him a fresh option up front when required.
With that in mind, a move for Dovbyk is certainly one for Newcastle fans to watch, as more twists and turns in their striker saga are expected before Deadline Day on Monday.
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