Roma Step-Up Joshua Zirkzee Approach As Artem Dovbyk Set For Another Lengthy Absence

Roma are stepping up their pursuit of a striker after Artem Dovbyk suffered another injury setback in the Giallorossi’s win over Lecce.

Artem Dovbyk Injury Update

The Ukrainian international scored his first Serie A goal since October 2025 during Roma’s 2-0 victory over Lecce, but was forced off in the final stages of the match through injury.

Dovbyk’s season has been littered with injuries so far, missing five league matches with a hamstring strain and the Roma star appeared to have suffered a similar issue on January 6th.

Gian Piero Gasperini brought Dovbyk into the action after 60 minutes, marking the Ukrainian’s third appearance since returning from injury and the 28-year-old doubled Roma’s lead just 11-minutes later.

Also on the score sheet was Roma’s other center forward, Evan Ferguson, and the Irishman was asked about Dovbyk’s injury and their overall relationship this season.

Ferguson said: “We communicate a lot and do everything we can to support each other – we have a strong relationship, although we are fighting for the same place.

“We also exchange a lot of advice. Injury? He has recently returned, so I’m not sure if it’s the same problem as before. We’ll see how the next game goes.”

Despite this victory, Gasperini snubbed the media after the match and intensified the rumors over a dissatisfaction towards Roma’s approach in the January transfer window.

The Giallorossi boss is keen on bringing in another attacker this month and Gasperini’s request has been amplified as Dovbyk is reportedly set to face multiple weeks on the sidelines.

With the Ukrainian expected to miss a substantial period, Roma are now stepping-up their pursuit of Joshua Zirkzee as talks over a loan deal heat up.

Roma Close In On Joshua Zirkzee Deal

The Manchester United star has been linked with a move back to Serie A for the majority of this season, as Zirkzee continues to struggle in the Premier League.

Since moving to England in July 2024, Zirkzee has scored just nine goals in 63 appearances and is currently below Benjamin Sesko in the Red Devils’ pecking order.

The Dutchman’s future in England has taken a major shift in recent days after Manchester United relieved Ruben Amorim of his managerial duties.

Despite a change in manager, Zirkzee has told Roma that he is still keen on a move to the Italian capital and the Serie A side are preparing a fresh approach before the January window closes.

Signing Zirkzee on a permanent basis appears unlikely, but the Red Devils are happy to let their Dutch talisman leave on a temporary basis for the rest of this season.

United are currently prioritizing their search for a new head coach, but reports suggest that any deal including Zirkzee will need to have a substantial buy-option.