The Speculation
According to a recent report by Metro, Chelsea are understood to have made a breakthrough in their attempts to lure AS Roma striker, Edin Dzeko, to the Stamford Bridge this month. And the deal reportedly includes two other players. Emerson Palmieri is also supposed to be included in the double deal with Dzeko which will cost Chelsea around £44m while Michy Batshuayi is expected to go in the opposite direction on loan.
Dzeko is a striker with volumes of experience under his belt. He emerged through the youth ranks of Zeljeznicar and was then elevated to the senior side of the Bosnia and Herzegovina based side. Then he moved to Czech Republic side, Teplice, before moving to the German Bundesliga with VfL Wolfsburg.
In the January transfer window of 2011, he was lured by Manchester City, wherein he won two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, one Community Shield and also won the League Cup once. Eventually, he was signed by Roma in 2015 and he has continued his goal-scoring spree with them as well. So far this season in Serie A, Dzeko has smashed 9 goals and has also notched up 3 assists in 19 appearances and no wonder the Blues are interested in signing him.
Chelsea’s Need
The defending Premier League champions have been far from their best so far this season and with Manchester City running away with the league title, one aspect they must cater to is ensuring a top-four finish. However, the recent results haven’t gone their way and Conte does need to beef up his squad, especially the attack as the Blues have been found wanting in front of goal on a regular basis.
Alvaro Morata has looked bereft of his clinical abilities or predatory instincts, maybe due to the hectic schedule. Besides, the likes of Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas have failed to work their magic on a consistent basis and given that Batshuayi is hardly trusted by Conte, the possible inclusion of Dzeko will come as a boost for them.
What Will He Bring To Chelsea?
Dzeko is an experienced striker who is not only good in the air but is also very mobile and cunning inside the box. He is a decent passer of the ball and knows exactly where the goal is. Besides, he is someone who is familiar with English top-flight football, having played for the Citizens and thus, making him sign on the dotted line might prove to be really beneficial for Conte’s side.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored
