Leeds ‘must go all out’ to sign 17-goal striker after Rodrigo Muniz blow
Leeds United had held sustained hope of signing Rodrigo Muniz from Fulham this summer.
The striker netted eight Premier League goals from as many starts for Fulham last term, but he could now be on his way out of Craven Cottage before the new campaign gets underway.
Leeds have been linked with a move for Muniz for several weeks, but their bids have fallen short of his £40million valuation until this point.
The addition of a new striker is simply a must for Daniel Farke’s side, and following the latest development in their pursuit of the Brazilian, it has become imperative that they move quickly to nail down an alternative.
Leeds to go all out for Artem Dovbyk as Muniz pushes for Atalanta
Roma’s Artem Dovbyk is another striker that Leeds have been linked with recently, and they even sent scouts up to Merseyside to watch him in the recent pre-season friendly against Everton.
The Ukrainian’s race appears to be run in the Italian capital, even though he netted 17 goals in all competitions in his debut campaign for them last time out.
Leeds have been pursuing several potential candidates to come in and lead the line, but it is now vitally important that they secure Dovbyk, following the latest update on Muniz.
- Dovbyk hit 17 goals in all competitions last term
- Roma’s new boss, Gian Piero Gasperini, is happy to allow him to leave
- Dovbyk previously notched 32 goal contributions in La Liga in 2023/24
The Fulham frontman is understood to have asked to be left out of their friendly with Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday (9 August), according to La Gazzetta Dello Sport (11 August).
He is thought to be aware that Atalanta have earmarked him as their number one target to strengthen their attack and is seemingly keen on the move.
Leeds’ hopes of signing Muniz could be about to end within days, as the Italian side are reportedly keen to “get a yes from all parties” by the middle of the week.
With another target about to fall by the wayside for the Whites, they must now move quickly to sign Dovbyk, or they risk reaching the end of the window without getting the addition that they need.
Dovbyk’s arrival could help Piroe
Fans would typically expect Joel Piroe to be annoyed by Leeds signing another striker, but the Dutchman could benefit if Dovbyk comes in at Elland Road.
Dovbyk’s arrival would help to ease some of the pressure that is currently on Piroe to make the step up immediately and thrive in the Premier League.
| Player | Goals |
| Joel Piroe | 73 |
| Josh Sargent | 44 |
| Aleksandar Mitrovic | 43 |
| Ben Brereton-Diaz, Jerry Yates | 40 |
| Sammie Szmodics, Emil Riis | 39 |
He has been one of the Championship’s biggest threats in the last few years, but he has never kicked a ball in the Premier League before, and may need time to adapt as a result.
If Farke and Co. could add Dovbyk to the ranks, it would provide a capable alternative, as well as a player who could potentially be used as a partner to Piroe.
The Whites favoured a 4-2-3-1 formation last season, but there could definitely be some appeal to playing two recognised strikers at times this term.
Dovbyk is the type of frontman who facilitates opportunities for others, as well as scoring goals himself, and his style of play could be ideal to help provide Piroe with constant opportunities.
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