Bologna are actively pursuing a loan move for Roma forward Artem Dovbyk, though they are still awaiting the player’s final approval, according to reports in Italy. The potential transfer is being handled separately from Roma’s ongoing negotiations for Carlos Castro.
Roma have been accelerating their pursuit of Castro, while discussions with Dovbyk have been ongoing since January, receiving a boost with a recent phone call from Bologna manager Domenico Tedesco. Dovbyk was previously considered as a potential signing in January, should Zeno Debast have departed, but the Belgian defender ultimately remained at the club.
Bologna were also in contention for Carlos Espí, competing with several Premier League clubs willing to meet Levante’s €25 million release clause. However, the financial power of the English clubs made securing Espí difficult, prompting Bologna to revisit their interest in Dovbyk, who recently returned from a four-month injury layoff. Dovbyk joined Roma for €38.5 million four seasons ago, having previously excelled for Girona in La Liga, where he scored 24 goals and helped the club to a third-place finish in the 2022-23 season.
The main obstacle to the transfer is Dovbyk’s willingness to accept the move. The proposed deal is a dry loan, with Roma continuing to cover €1.5 million of his €3.5 million salary. A potential option to buy clause is currently under discussion, valued around €20 million. Bologna are also keen to retain Remo Freuler, despite receiving offers from NEOM, Olympiacos, and Sassuolo, while Mikel Amondarain is expected to arrive in Bologna next week to undergo a medical.
