​Roma faces a crowded market for a potential replacement as they consider a vice-Malen for the team. With the Dutch number 14 vacancy emerging again now that Ferguson has returned to Brighton following his stint with the Giallorossi, the club is weighing options such as Artem Dovbyk and Robinio Vaz as possible fitments. The overarching will of the club is to provide Gian Piero Gasperini with a more dependable striker, someone who can contribute consistently when called upon. The Ukrainian forward, however, does not fully satisfy the Grugliasco coach and is not aligned with the broader plans of the organization. From Trigoria’s side, there is openness to giving the class of ’97 a chance to prove himself, yet the expectations remain high due to the financial weight attached to the position (roughly 25 million euros for the number 9).
According to TeleRadioStereo, Ajax is seriously considering the former Girona striker as a concrete option. Ajax is targeting Dovbyk at the direct request of their new coach, Michel, who previously managed the Ukrainian at Girona and helped transform him into a prolific goal scorer. Nevertheless, the deal faces several impediments. The player’s substantial salary could slow down a potential sale, as both the selling club and interested parties view the compensation as a sticking point. Additionally, the age factor—at 29 years old—could complicate matters from a capital-gain perspective for Roma and other interested clubs.
To facilitate a resolution, Roma could explore a loan arrangement that includes part of the contract paid by the borrowing club. In such a scenario, bringing the number 9 to the Netherlands might become a more viable option, presenting a concrete alternative if a permanent transfer proves too complex or financially burdensome. The discussion surrounding Dovbyk remains dynamic, influenced by Ajax’s interest, Gasperini’s tactical preferences, and Roma’s budgetary constraints. The situation requires careful navigation of contractual terms, wage demands, and strategic fit to ensure that the chosen path strengthens the squad without compromising financial stability.