Chelsea striker target drops bombshell update Maresca will HATE

Tom Weber

Updated: 8 Jun 2024 16:17 BST
4 min read

Chelsea target Artem Dovbyk has revealed that his agent is talking to Italian clubs ahead of the summer window.

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The Ukraine striker is coming off a spectacular season on a personal and team level. With his 24 LaLiga goals, Dovbyk not only fired Girona into the Champions League for the first time in club history but he also won the Pichichi, the Golden Boot.

This has, unsurprisingly, made the 26-year-old a sought-after commodity, with the start of the transfer window just a few weeks away and several of Europe's biggest sides looking to bolster their frontlines.

As revealed by FootballTransfers, Dovbyk is one of the names on Chelsea's very lengthy shortlist of centre-forward targets. The hulking but technically sound number nine is thought to have a €40 million release clause in Catalunya.

Dovbyk admits talks - but not with Chelsea

Now, the Ukrainian has admitted that he could be on the move this summer, revealing that his agent is talking to clubs. But not with English clubs, it seems.

Speaking after scoring for his country in a 3-1 loss to Poland ahead of Euro 2024, Dovbyk was bluntly asked whether his agent was negotiating with Italian sides. “Yes, he is talking about that," Dovbyk admitted. "There is news about me, but I take all this calmly.”

The Italian clubs in question are likely AC Milan and Napoli. The former are looking for a replacement for new LAFC star Olivier Giroud, while the latter are preparing for life after Victor Osimhen.

Dovbyk, however, does not appear to be the top option for either club. Milan are pushing to sign Bologna star Joshua Zirkzee and Napoli are keen on Chelsea outcast Romelu Lukaku, with new coach Antonio Conte in love with the Belgian from their Inter days.

LaLiga giants Atletico Madrid have also been credited with an interest in Dovbyk. Chelsea will face a battle if they wish to sign the Ukrainian.