AC Milan have confirmed they are in talks with AS Roma over a potential player exchange that could see Santiago Giménez move to the capital and Artem Dovbyk arrive at San Siro. Sporting director Igli Tare addressed the speculation directly on Friday, stating that both clubs are actively evaluating whether the swap would suit their sporting and financial plans.
“We are evaluating an exchange between Dovbyk and Santi Giménez. If it’s possible, we’ll make the deal. If not, we stick with the current squad,” Tare explained to Italian media.
The negotiations highlight how both Milan and Roma are reassessing their attacking options as the Serie A season takes shape.
Giménez’s Position at Milan
The Mexican striker only joined Milan earlier this year, arriving from Feyenoord with high expectations. Renowned for his sharp finishing and movement in the box, Giménez was widely viewed as the long-term answer to Milan’s No. 9 dilemma.
So far, however, his transition has been mixed. He started in Milan’s 2–0 victory over Lecce on Friday, playing 87 minutes but failing to find the net. Head coach Massimiliano Allegri has nonetheless spoken positively of him, praising his work rate and adaptability.
“He’s an excellent footballer. He scored many goals at Feyenoord, and in these weeks I’ve seen his qualities. He’s a great player and we have high expectations for him,” Allegri told reporters.
Despite this endorsement, Giménez remains Milan’s only natural center forward at present. That dependence may explain why the club is cautious about sanctioning a move unless it believes Dovbyk offers a stronger tactical fit.
Roma’s Perspective on Dovbyk
On the other side of the deal, Artem Dovbyk has enjoyed individual success but faces questions about his role in Gian Piero Gasperini’s system.
The Ukrainian international scored 17 goals last season across all competitions, including 12 in Serie A, after arriving from Girona. His physical presence, aerial ability, and knack for finding space in the box marked him as a reliable scorer.
However, reports in Italy suggest Gasperini views him as less suited to Roma’s pressing and fluid attacking style. The club is therefore open to reshaping its frontline, and a direct swap for Giménez could provide a striker with greater tactical compatibility.
Why the Swap Makes Sense
For Milan, Dovbyk would bring a proven scoring record in Italy and potentially offer more immediate impact in the penalty area. His style complements Allegri’s preference for structured attacking patterns and efficient use of possession.
For Roma, Giménez could represent a more dynamic option, capable of stretching defenses with intelligent runs and pressing aggressively from the front. His age and development trajectory also align with Roma’s broader project of blending experience with youthful energy.
From a financial standpoint, an exchange deal allows both clubs to strengthen key positions without major transfer outlays. This is especially relevant in a market where top strikers command increasingly high fees.
Risks and Considerations
While the swap has clear logic, there are risks. Milan could lose a striker still adjusting to Serie A but who may flourish with more time. Roma, meanwhile, would part ways with a player who has already delivered goals, a commodity always in demand.
For the players, the move represents uncertainty. Giménez may hesitate to leave after only months in Milan, while Dovbyk has indicated a desire to fight for his place in Rome. Yet both may ultimately benefit from a change of scenery if their current situations stagnate.
The potential exchange between Santiago Giménez and Artem Dovbyk underscores the strategic recalibration underway at both AC Milan and AS Roma. Each club is carefully weighing short-term results against long-term squad building, with the deal hinging on tactical fit as much as statistics.
If completed, it would mark one of the most intriguing transfers of the Serie A window—a rare striker-for-striker swap that could significantly reshape two historic clubs’ attacking identities. For now, negotiations continue, and the coming days will determine whether Milan and Roma commit to this bold move or opt for stability with their current squads.
