Romano blasts 'fake news' on Chelsea striker pursuit

Tom Weber

• Updated: 8 Jan 2024 16:10 GMT
• 3 min read

Fabrizio Romano has claimed that reports of Chelsea's interest in Artem Dovbyk are 'fake news.'

The Blues are in the market for a striker and have been looking at many different options ranging from Victor Osimhen and Ivan Toney to Viktor Gyokeres. However, it is said that Chelsea will, first and foremost, have to offload players before they can splash more cash.

Yet, according to head coach Mauricio Pochettino, this is not the case. "No, it is not like this," the Argentine said at his pre-match press conference before the Carabao Cup semi-final clash with Middlesbrough. "Like you know, too many rumours going around the clubs. It is not what they translate to me. It is not necessary to sell to buy some players."

Nevertheless, a move for Osimhen is unlikely given that he just penned a new Napoli deal, while spending €100 million - his release clause - on Gyokeres appears ill-advised. Finally, Toney has been dropping hints on his future that will only get Arsenal and Brentford fans excited.

There are other potential striker options out there, however. Girona's Artem Dovbyk has, according to recent reports, emerged as a potential candidate for the Blues. But Fabrizio Romano has now doused cold water on these rumours.

What did Romano say?

Speaking to CaughtOffside, the transfer expert said: “Despite rumours about Chelsea, Artem Dovbyk is not leaving Girona in January, no chance. It’s fake news, at least for the January window. In the summer we will see, but I have no idea if it will be Chelsea or other clubs, it’s too early to say right now."

This was recently echoed by Girona's co-owner Pere Guardiola. "There are no offers," he told Revelo. "Rumours, all of them. We don't have offers for anyone. Not from Barcelona for Aleix [Garcia], not from Chelsea for Dovbyk, for anyone."

"And we have no intention of selling to anyone either. The thing is that journalists really like the transfer window. The truth is that we have a good squad."

"Obviously, it's normal that things will happen at the end [of the window], but people have noticed us because we are doing things well. What we want is for nothing to happen or minimal to happen in January."