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Sunderland now battling Everton to sign Artem Dovbyk in January move
Sunderland chiefs are now reportedly plotting a move to sign a Serie A striker ahead of both Everton and West Ham United in the January transfer window.
Sunderland plotting move to sign Serie A star
The Black Cats are no strangers to the transfer market these days, having enjoyed an incredibly successful summer window. Now sat as high as sixth, those in Wearside could welcome further reinforcements in the winter window as several of their stars jet off to take part in AFCON.
Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus hasn’t been shy about sharing his ambitions this season, either. The 28-year-old told reporters back in November: “I would say definitely a little bit [that the great start could affect Sunderland’s approach in January]. If we’re in the bottom three by Christmas, or we’re in the top six by Christmas, that changes the ambition a little bit.
“We’re currently preparing for all scenarios, but we’ve been doing that since the summer. Hopefully, we’ll be going into the January window with a top ten finish in mind and we will prepare and execute the window to give us the best chance.”
The owners hope for a top 10 finish is certainly well on course and that has seen a number of targets emerge, including Sevilla’s Ruben Vargas.
The forward has set his sights on a Premier League move in the January transfer window and the Black Cats have reportedly opened talks to secure his signature.
As ever, though, he’s not the only target on their wishlist. Alongside Vargas, Sunderland are also plotting a move to sign Artem Dovbyk from AS Roma next month, according to reports in Spain.
Like Vargas, the forward wants to complete a Premier League move and has interest from Everton, Sunderland and West Ham United in what could turn into a frantic race.
Dovbyk could end Isidor’s Sunderland career
Sunderland’s transfer business, whilst impressive, has come at a cost for previous stars. Dan Neil, for example, has been forced to watch on from the bench for the majority of the season despite his heroics in the previous campaign. Now, if Dovbyk does arrive in Wearside, Wilson Isidor could suffer the same fate.
|
League stats 25/26 |
Dovbyk |
Isidor |
|---|---|---|
|
Minutes |
327 |
921 |
|
Goals |
2 |
4 |
|
Assists |
1 |
0 |
|
Expected Goals |
2 |
3.3 |
Although he’s currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, the numbers don’t make for pretty reading for Dovbyk. After scoring 17 goals in all competitions last season, the forward has netted just two so far this season.
If Sunderland are to set their sights on a top 10 finish then there will be some natural doubts about the Roma forward, who has endured an inconsistent spell in Italy.
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Isidor, meanwhile, despite not being a consistent starter has scored four goals and outperformed his expected rate. For the time being, the Black Cats should keep hold of the forward rather than splashing out on Dovbyk. As for the forward, himself, he may be forced to look elsewhere for a Premier League move.
