De Rossi's new AS Roma: What can the Giallorossi expect from Matias Soule and Artem Dovbyk?
It has been a summer of excitement in one half of Rome, with AS Roma thrilling supporters by being one of the most active and free-spending clubs in Europe to back coach Daniele De Rossi.
The Giallorossi have captured the imagination of fans by landing Juventus winger Matias Soule following an impressive loan spell at Frosinone last term, and the Argentine has only stoked up the fervour by taking on the No.18 shirt once adorned by compatriot and Lupi icon Gabriel Batistuta.
Further strengthening an attack that boasts the magical left foot of Paulo Dybala, Tommaso Baldanzi, Stephan El Shaarawy, and now Soule, is the statement signing of Girona striker Artem Dovbyk. The Ukraine star was the top scorer in La Liga last season and the goal machine could prove the difference for Roma in their battle for Champions League qualification.
Roma fight off Premier League interest for Soule
The Giallorossi fought off competition from Premier League pair Leicester City and West Ham United to land Soule from Juventus, and his arrival saw fans flock to the airport to welcome him to Rome.
At an initial €25.6 million, the young winger did not come cheap but such is his potential that Roma may look back on that as a steal, particularly if he can make his more impressive Frosinone performances a regularity in Serie A.
Roma targeted the 21-year-old for his pace and close control with the ball at his feet, as De Rossi looks to develop his team into one that can hit on the counter whilst also keep hold of possession.
With Soule and Dybala flanking new striker Dovbyk, De Rossi can rely on Argentine guile and the creative spark that compensates for packing his central midfield with Leandro Paredes, Bryan Cristante, and Lorenzo Pellegrini.
Having netted 11 goals for Frosinone last season, Soule's attacking talent reduces the burden on Dybala and means Roma's share of the goals is likely to be spread more evenly this term.
Meanwhile, 82 chances created in Serie A last term shows that the former Velez Sarsfield academy prospect is one of Europe's most exciting talents and is ready to unlock any defence.
Dovbyk: La Liga's top scorer heading to Serie A
Roma were reliant on Romelu Lukaku to lead their attack last term following his loan from Chelsea, but the Belgian struggled for consistency and did not do enough to convince the capital club to move for him again.
With Tammy Abraham missing much of the campaign with an ACL injury and seemingly on the unwanted list at the Stadio Olimpico, a new striker was high on the agenda and Roma have caught the eye with a huge move for Dovbyk.
Parting with an initial €30.5m and with an expectation that the fee could rise to €38m with add-ons as reported by Sky Sport Italia, the Giallorossi have rarely spent so big on a single player and are convinced that the prolific Ukraine international will be the perfect foil for Dybala.
The 27-year-old was the highest scorer in Spain during his sole season with Girona after rifling in 24 goals, and becomes the first La Liga top scorer to make a switch to Serie A since Christian Vieri joined Lazio from Atletico Madrid in 1998.
Dovbyk is the perfect poacher that Roma have lacked, with all but one of his strikes last season coming from inside the box, and his eye for goal was unmatched in La Liga. The former Dnipro man linked up magnificently with Savio and Viktor Tsygankov on the flanks and this bodes well for a relationship with Dybala and Soule.
Dominant in the air, with six headed goals last term, as well as with the ball to his feet, Dovbyk scored at a rate of one every 109 minutes and a prolific presence in attack is just what Roma need to fire them back into the top five.