Everton really need a new striker if the second half of this season is to be a memorable one.
David Moyes has surely been pained to watch Beto and Thierno Barry share the responsibility of leading the line this season, with the pair managing just five goals combined in the Premier League so far this term.
Everton are looking to rectify the situation, with Artem Dovbyk a target for The Friedkin Group – who have already spoken to the striker when bringing him to Roma from Girona in a £26m move in August 2024.
Would signing a new striker ruin Barry’s development?
Should a deal materialise, the Hill Dickinson Stadium could get its very own version of Romelu Lukaku – who became an Everton hero during the Goodison Park days.
Artem Dovbyk is the most similar striker to Romelu Lukaku across the last 365 days
When analysing a player on FBREF – a football data website – a list of similar footballers is usually added towards the bottom of the page.
Interestingly, when you take a look at Dovbyk – who Gianluca Di Marzio says Everton are pushing to sign – Lukaku sits top of the list in terms of those who play like the Ukraine international.
Both are similar strikers when it comes to using their immense physicality well.
The 6ft 2in Dovbyk has netted 23 headers throughout his career, and also has a decent turn of pace to help him escape defenders.
Both of these are traits Lukaku used to his advantage to net 87 goals in 166 appearances for Everton before a £75m switch to Manchester United in July 2017.
Moyes could really use a towering frontman to cause havoc for opponents like Lukaku used to do at Goodison Park, so the fact the data suggests they are similar strikers should put The Friedkin Group on red alert.
Everton could end up signing a different striker from Roma
Dovbyk is not the only striker at Roma who Everton are considering, as Evan Ferguson is admired by the Toffees too.
Where does Evan Ferguson now rank in your striker wish list after seeing THESE numbers? 🤩
He's hitting some form at the right time for an interested Everton! 🔥
Both are expected to leave Rome this winter as Gian Piero Gasperini targets a new frontman.
So, if Dovbyk ends up moving elsewhere, Everton still have an option The Friedkin Group can help them pursue in Ferguson.
Everton and Roma have been strongly connected so far in this transfer window, as the Toffees also like Wesley.
The Brazil international has shone at right-back since his £25m move from Flamengo back in July, and TEAMtalk believe Everton are still monitoring his performances.
Therefore, if Everton end up failing to sign at least one Roma player this winter, it would arguably be quite the shock.
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