When Donyell Malen arrived at Roma, he hit the ground running like a man on a mission. The Dutch forward has been nothing short of sensational, and he's firmly cemented his place as the club's attacking spearhead for the foreseeable future. But even the best strikers need a reliable backup, and Roma's bench depth is looking alarmingly thin.

Robinio Vaz is still too green for the demands of Serie A, Evan Ferguson won't be sticking around, and Artem Dovbyk—whose big-money move never quite clicked—has been sidelined for months with a thigh injury. The message is clear: Roma need reinforcements up front, and they're casting a wide net.

Enter Gianluca Scamacca, a name that should sound familiar to any Romanista. According to Tuttomercatoweb, Gian Piero Gasperini remains a huge admirer of the powerful striker, who has bagged 14 goals and 3 assists in 37 appearances this season while sharing duties with Nenad Krstovic at Atalanta. Scamacca is under contract until 2027, but there's an option in play. Atalanta shelled out €30 million for him three years ago, and his price tag hasn't budged much since.

Scamacca's journey has been a rollercoaster. He actually spent time in Roma's youth academy before leaving at just 16 to join PSV. His best years came at Sassuolo, followed by a tough spell at West Ham, before he rediscovered his form at Atalanta. That was, until an ACL tear in April 2024 derailed his momentum. Now fully recovered, he's looking like a classic "what if" for Roma—a hometown boy who got away, but could return to lead the line.

The Giallorossi are also exploring a creative solution involving Dovbyk. Per Leggo (via TeleRadioStereo), Fiorentina might be interested in the Ukrainian striker, who hasn't lived up to expectations in Serie A. Roberto Piccoli, Florence's own underperforming €30 million man, could be part of a swap deal that benefits both clubs. It's a classic case of "one man's trash is another man's treasure," and Roma are hoping to turn Dovbyk's disappointment into a useful bargaining chip.

But here's the rub: Roma have already committed €25 million to Malen, and they're not exactly swimming in cash. With several more pressing needs to address, their budget for a deputy striker will largely depend on how much they can recoup from Dovbyk's departure. The ideal target? A bruiser who can not only spell Malen but also pair with him in a two-striker system, giving Roma the tactical flexibility they desperately need.

For a club with Roma's ambitions, having a Plan B is no longer a luxury—it's a necessity. The summer transfer window promises to be a fascinating chess match, and the outcome could define their season. Whether it's a prodigal son like Scamacca or a crafty swap deal, one thing is certain: Roma are on the hunt for a worthy deputy, and the clock is ticking.