Leeds United’s pursuit of Rodrigo Muniz was starting to look somewhat difficult as Atalanta threw a spanner in the works, before the news emerged that Dominic Calvert-Lewin is set to sign.
Muniz has been Leeds’ priority all summer. Adam Underwood tabled a £32m bid for Muniz back in June, but it was rejected. Since then, Leeds have been in talks to land the Brazilian, but have failed to do so.
On Wednesday, David Ornstein reported that Leeds are set to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin after the striker left Everton on a free. The England international is due to undergo a medical at Elland Road, shortly.
For Muniz, Atalanta have come to the fore. The Serie A side are keen to replace Ademola Lookman this summer and have identified Muniz. Atalanta tabled a £34.5m bid for Muniz this week, again rejected.
Fulham have informed Atalanta that they will need to pay £43m, but actually, Atalanta are confident of a £38m deal. Muniz is said to have agreed personal terms and is himself, pushing for a move to Bergamo.
It leaves Leeds in the lurch once again, having missed out on Igor Paixao to Marseille. The club need to sign a striker and next on the list appears to be Roma’s Artem Dovbyk, which sounds more promising.
Roma show true Artem Dovbyk stance as five-year deal tabled
Signed only a year ago from Girona after topping the La Liga goalscoring charts, Dovbyk netted 17 goals but failed to convince. Leeds and West Ham have opened talks for Dovbyk and he is set to leave Roma.
Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini has refuted claims he doesn’t fancy Dovbyk, but reports say Roma will accept bids in the region of £32m. Now, Roma have shown their hand when it comes to Dovbyk.
That is because Wolves’ striker Fabio Silva has been touted as a replacement. Sacha Tavolieri reports on X on Wednesday morning that Roma have now made a move for Silva, offering the striker a five-year deal.
“After Borussia Dortmund, AS Roma have submitted a 5-year contract offer for Fabio Silva in the last few hours. “For the record, the player’s preference is Italy — but now, Wolverhampton must be convinced.”
Premier League clubs that are rivalling Leeds for Artem Dovbyk
As aforementioned, West Ham are also in the race for Ukraine star Dovbyk. But the Hammers have made a striker signing already in Callum Wilson while still boasting Germany international Niclas Fullkrug.
Then, there is Sunderland. Unsurprisingly, Sunderland have opened talks to sign Dovbyk having already nabbed four players Leeds wanted, namely Habib Diarra, Noah Sadiki, Reinildo Mandava and Marc Guiu.
Bournemouth were offered Dovbyk earlier this month, but Andoni Iraola has turned down the chance to land Dovbyk. Gasperini may say he wants to keep him, but a move for Silva sees them sign a replacement.
There is also a question mark over whether Leeds will remain in the market for a new striker, after the arrival of Calvert-Lewin. It is unclear if Leeds will feel they have enough, and end their pursuit of another.
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