Atletico Madrid eye Artem Dovbyk from Girona to bolster attack

With uncertainties surrounding Alvaro Morata's future and Memphis Depay poised for an exit, Atletico are moving quickly to secure a top-tier striker.

Dovbyk, 26, currently playing for Girona FC, has emerged as a prime target for the Spanish giants, alongside Stuttgart's Serhou Guirassy and Villarreal's Alexander Sorloth.

Reports indicate that Atletico view Dovbyk as the most attainable option. Borussia Dortmund are leading the chase for Guirassy, and Villarreal are reluctant to part with Sorloth, making Dovbyk a more realistic acquisition.

Girona reportedly recently rejected an initial bid of €25 million from Atletico for the Ukrainian international. Dovbyk has a release clause set at €40 million, and Girona are firm on negotiating nothing below €35 million. However, a potential deal could be struck within the €30-35 million range if a player is included on loan.

Adding to the complexity, Danish club Midtjylland, Dovbyk's former team, are entitled to 30% of any transfer fee. Girona, in no rush, hold Dovbyk under contract until 2028.

Diego Simeone, Atletico's head coach, is keen to bring in a robust and prolific striker capable of leading the attack.

Dovbyk's impressive record of 24 goals and his Pichichi award highlight his scoring prowess and physical presence, qualities Simeone highly values.

If acquired, Dovbyk would mark Atletico's first significant investment in a pure number nine since Morata, despite having briefly benefited from the experience of Luis Suarez.

Dovbyk's potential move to Atletico is poised to be one of the key transfers to watch this summer.