Atlético’s move for Girona star hits last-minute snag as Roma prepare offer

Girona star Artem Dovbyk’s long-touted move to La Liga rivals Atlético Madrid suddenly appears to be in real danger of falling through.

The name of frontman Dovbyk has of course long taken its place front and centre in the headlines in Spain’s capital.

This comes after word was forthcoming that the Ukrainian had been identified as the first-choice target on the part of the aforementioned Atlético, to replace the outbound Álvaro Morata.

Negotiations, in turn, were quickly kicked into gear between the parties, with a view to finding an agreement on the terms of a transfer.

And though Dovbyk himself has long given his backing to a move to the Wanda Metropolitano, a series of factors have delayed any further progress.

One such factor comes in the form of the commissions being demanded by the Pichichi holder’s agents.

As per a report from transfer insider Matteo Moretto, as much has seen the deal, as a whole, cast into doubt, opening the door for rival suitors to enter the fray for Dovbyk.

And one such club, it would appear, are ready to throw a major spanner in the works for Atlético.

The outfit in question? AS Roma.

In a further update on the part of Relevo’s Matteo Moretto:

‘Roma is preparing a first official offer to Girona for Artem Dovbyk, slightly higher than 30 million euros, bonuses included.’

Dovbyk’s entourage made their way to the Italian capital earlier today, to talk through the terms of a potential deal.

His move to Atlético, as a result, can be considered as being on ‘standby’.

Conor Laird | GSFN