Artem Dovbyk on Chelsea's Radar: £45 Million Move in the Works?

In a surprising turn of events, Premier League giants Chelsea are reportedly eyeing Girona's Ukrainian forward, Artem Dovbyk, in a potential £45 million deal, as per information disclosed by 'The Sun.' The London club is said to be eager to enter negotiations for the talented striker, who is currently making waves as LaLiga EA Sports' top scorer.

Mauricio Pochettino, at the helm of Chelsea, seems keen on bolstering his attacking options, with the prospect of securing Dovbyk's services for around £39 million (approximately €45 million). The digital edition of The Sun has hinted at the London club's immediate interest in adding the Ukrainian to their squad, potentially providing competition for former Villarreal player Nicolas Jackson in the '9' position. Adding to the urgency is Dovbyk's recent call-up by Senegal for the Africa Cup of Nations and the departure of a player with similar characteristics, Armando Broja.

The impressive season delivered by Dovbyk at Girona has caught the attention of Pochettino, prompting the Chelsea manager to dispatch scouts to closely monitor the striker's recent performances. The reports from these scouts have evidently convinced the coaching staff at Stamford Bridge to actively pursue the signing of the Ukrainian talent.

Artem Dovbyk, who made the move to Girona last summer from Ukrainian club Dnipro-1 for €7.75 million, has seen a remarkable surge in his market value. Recent speculations suggest that Girona is now considering a hefty £45 million transfer fee for the striker, attributed to his impressive contribution of eleven goals and five assists in the ongoing season.

Beyond the potential switch to Chelsea, an added incentive for Dovbyk could be the opportunity to play alongside compatriot and fellow Ukraine national team member, Mykhaylo Mudryk. Interestingly, Mudryk made his move to Stamford Bridge in the winter transfer market of 2023 and shares a friendship with Dovbyk off the field, potentially aiding the striker's adaptation to a new environment.

However, the realization of this high-profile transfer depends on the ability of Chelsea and Girona to reach an economic agreement. Girona seems reluctant to part ways with Dovbyk, considering the potential disruption to Michel's team dynamics. It's worth noting that Chelsea is not the sole interested party, with Atlético Madrid also reportedly expressing interest in acquiring the services of the promising Ukrainian forward. The football world awaits the outcome of these negotiations that could potentially reshape the landscape of the Premier League.