Ukraine striker Artem Dovbyk joined AS Roma last summer after an impressive spell at Girona and has now revealed that West Ham had attempted to sign at that time.
The Hammers were trying to sign a striker last summer and ended up getting Niclas Fullkrug from Borrusia Dortmund, the German has since struggled with injuries.
Things could have been different for West Ham and Dovbyk has revealed he had a conversation with Julen Lopetegui, who was manager at the time.
The Ukraine international spoke spoke to Football School, via Tuttomercatoweb, and explained how things transpired last summer.
He said: “There were negotiations with Atletico, which then didn’t end well for the sporting directors. I think someone at the club really didn’t want me. West Ham were also there and I also spoke to the coach.”
Speaking further about interest from Saudi Arabia, the forward: “Also some clubs from Saudi Arabia were interested. But I wanted to continue in Europe even though the salary in Saudi Arabia would have been very high. So there were three options: Atletico, West Ham and Roma.”
Dovbyk also mentioned that he is quite happy with the decision he made about joining Roma, where he has done well.
“I have no regrets, it was my decision. At Girona I would have played in the Champions League, but there were also some important sales of players who had provided me with 11 assists. So I had doubts about staying. After a season like that I needed to make a leap in quality.”
So far this season, the 27-year-old has scored 12 Serie A goals and his numbers have been quite impressive in 2025, where he has shown his abilities on a consistent basis.
West Ham could have benefitted from someone like Dovbyk, who has proved himsself at multiple clubs across Europe. But considering where Graham Potter’s side are in the table right now, it could have been an underwhelming move for the player himself, who clearly wants to play at the highest level.
