Newcastle United’s search for a new striker has intensified as the transfer window enters its decisive stages.
The club are locked in a complex situation involving Alexander Isak, who has made it clear he has no intention of reintegrating into Eddie Howe’s squad.
The Swede has not featured in either of Newcastle’s opening Premier League fixtures and has refused to train, citing broken promises and a desire for change.
Without a recognised number nine, the Magpies have looked blunt in attack.
Against Aston Villa and Liverpool, Newcastle created opportunities but lacked a clinical edge, with makeshift forward Anthony Gordon even seeing red in the latter fixture.
That dismissal leaves William Osula as the only available striker, underlining the urgency of the situation.
Newcastle line up move for new striker target
Eddie Howe’s men have moved for several targets already this summer.
Bids for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa and Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen have been rejected, while they’re also now tracking Atletico Madrid’s Alexander Sorloth.
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With Liverpool circling around Isak, the club have turned to the continent for solutions.
According to reports in Italy, via Sport Witness, intermediaries are attempting to engineer a deal between Newcastle United and AS Roma for Ukrainian striker Artem Dovbyk.
The Magpies are said to have proposed a dry loan, though Roma are holding firm: they want either a permanent sale or guarantees that a deal will eventually be made permanent.
Villarreal are also interested in the forward. The Spanish side, having agreed a £26m deal to sell winger Yeremy Pino to Crystal Palace, have the funds available to pursue Dovbyk, though they too have only offered a loan arrangement.
Roma are demanding around €30m (£25m) for the 28-year-old, who joined from Girona last summer.
Why Dovbyk could be a better fit than Sørloth
Dovbyk scored 12 goals and registered three assists in 32 Serie A appearances during his debut season in Italy, following on from a remarkable final campaign in Spain where he fired Girona into the Champions League with 24 goals and eight assists.
The Ukrainian international has 36 caps and 11 goals for his country and has drawn praise from some high-profile figures.
Former Manchester City, Liverpool and Italy forward Mario Balotelli recently remarked: “In terms of style, I would say he is similar to Haaland.”
With Isak unwilling to return and Callum Wilson having left for West Ham after his contract expired, the Magpies are short of options.
Dovbyk is now seen as one of the most viable replacements to fill the void and give Howe the focal point his system demands.
The arrival of a new number nine at St James’ Park has been a pressing issue for months, and much of the conversation has centred on whether Newcastle should prioritise Dovbyk or another prominent target: Sørloth.
Sørloth, who enjoyed a prolific campaign with Atlético Madrid last season, netted 20 goals and supplied two assists across 35 La Liga appearances.
The 29-year-old Norwegian stands taller than Dovbyk’s 1.89 at 1.95m and has extensive international experience, with 63 caps and 24 goals for his country.
His form in Spain has reignited his reputation following a disappointing spell in the Premier League with Crystal Palace, where he failed to score in 16 appearances.
By comparison, Dovbyk is slightly younger at 28 and has demonstrated consistency in two of Europe’s top leagues.
His record for Girona marked him out as one of the most lethal strikers in La Liga, and his transition to Serie A saw him continue to contribute regularly.
For Newcastle, that track record of adaptation could be crucial in the Premier League. A statistical comparison between the two highlights the differences in their playing styles.
Matches Played
35
32
Goals
20
12
Assists
2
2
Progressive Carries
32
24
Progressive Passes
31
16
Sørloth’s numbers showcase his volume shooting and ability to dominate games as a target man.
According to FBref, he registered 4.48 shots per 90 last season with Atlético compared to Dovbyk’s 2.27, and scored 19 non-penalty goals compared to Dovbyk’s ten.
His shooting accuracy was also higher, with 51.3% of attempts hitting the target against Dovbyk’s 41%.
However, Dovbyk edges his rival in other areas. He is more efficient in possession, completing 74.1% of his passes compared to Sørloth’s 63.8%, and averages more shot-creating actions per 90 (1.94 to 1.73).
He is also less reliant on sheer volume, with his ten non-penalty goals last season coming from an expected goals figure of 10.3 – suggesting he converts chances at the rate they are expected, without overperforming.
Sørloth, by contrast, scored 19 from 16.0 expected goals, hinting at a potentially unsustainable level of finishing.
Stylistically, Dovbyk offers Newcastle a profile closer to Isak’s. He can link play, operate as a focal point, and combine technical quality with aerial presence. Sørloth, meanwhile, provides sheer firepower.
His 22 goal involvements outweigh Dovbyk’s 14, but his reliance on high shooting volume may raise concerns about sustainability in a league where space is harder to find.
For Newcastle, the decision could come down to balance. They require not just goals, but a striker who complements their pressing game and fluid attacking style. Dovbyk’s blend of technical skill, physicality, and adaptability suggests he may be the more suitable long-term option, particularly if Isak departs for Liverpool.