One of West Ham United’s biggest weaknesses this season has been in front of goal.
Even with Nuno Espirito Santo’s arrival bringing renewed optimism, the lack of a proven striker continues to hold the Hammers back.
Michail Antonio has been badly missed since being let go, Callum Wilson looks like a short-term solution at best, and no young striker has yet broken through to take the burden off Jarrod Bowen.
While Bowen has delivered consistently, he cannot be expected to carry the attack alone.
During the summer, the club were linked with several forwards capable of solving this long-standing problem. One of those was Artem Dovbyk — and now the striker himself has spoken out on the speculation.
Dovbyk Speaks on West Ham Links
Roma striker Artem Dovbyk has finally addressed rumours linking him with a move to West Ham, Everton, and Leeds United last summer.
The 28-year-old Ukraine international joined Roma from Girona in a deal worth around £32.7 million last year. After firing in 17 goals across all competitions during his debut campaign in Serie A, interest naturally followed — including enquiries from the Hammers.
But nothing materialised, and Dovbyk has now explained his decision to remain in the Italian capital.
“Many people talked to me, they sold me to all the clubs, luckily the market window is over. Now I’m more focused, I know the role I have here and I want to enjoy it,” he told DAZN, per The Yorkshire Post.
The striker also revealed his excitement at building a partnership with Evan Ferguson. The young Irishman, who endured a difficult loan spell at West Ham last season without scoring, is now alongside Dovbyk at Roma.
“With Evan, we spur each other, we will both grow,” he added.
For West Ham, Dovbyk’s comments close the door — for now — on a player many supporters believed could have been the answer to their striking issues. Whether Nuno and the recruitment team revisit the forward market in January remains to be seen.
