According to Roma Giallorossa, the track leading to Everton remains live, with the Italian outlet reporting that the Toffees could offer a "particular solution" — a season-long loan that would allow the 28-year-old Ukrainian striker to rebuild his form and fitness after a season largely lost to injury.
Dovbyk has started just three Serie A matches this season, restricted to 625 minutes of football across 17 appearances after a serious hamstring injury curtailed what had promised to be a significant second campaign in Rome. He scored three goals and provided two assists in that limited time.
The case for the loan is straightforward from Everton's perspective. David Moyes has been seeking a third striker option, and Dovbyk's profile — a physical, press-resistant centre-forward comfortable with his back to goal and dangerous on the counter — suits the Scot's direct approach. A loan also limits the financial exposure on a player whose market value has dropped sharply from the £30 million Roma paid Girona for him in August 2024.
From AS Roma's side, the Friedkin ownership makes internal logistics easier — though it does not make the deal automatic. The Italian club need to balance financial fair play obligations, with a need to generate capital gains before June 30. Everton's loan structure would not satisfy that requirement in the same way a permanent sale would.
That brings Napoli into the picture. Sporting director Giovanni Manna is reported to find Dovbyk's profile "very pleasing" and Napoli enquired about him in January. The Partenopei could offer around €20 million in the coming weeks — a cash sale Roma would consider seriously, even though it directly strengthens a rival chasing them in the Serie A table. Roma sit fifth on 67 points, three points above second-placed Napoli with two games remaining.