Italian soccer agent Massimo Briaschi has expressed confidence that Chelsea will sign Roma striker Edin Dzeko this January. This is despite there being just four days of the winter window left and the club having only managed to land Ross Barkley out of their many rumoured targets.
The Blues have struggled in the goalscoring department this year, with main striker Alvaro Morata out of form and backup man Michy Batshuayi flattering to deceive whenever given the odd chance. Indeed, the defending champs have for the first time in their illustrious history had to endure three goalless draws in a row this month, making additions not just advisable but absolutely necessary.
Many names have been mooted – some more curious than others – but Dzeko’s name is one that finally makes sense in the eyes of many an outspoken, all-knowing pundit. Winner of the Serie A’s Capocannoniere (top scorer award) in 2016/17 with a whopping 29 strikes, the Bosnian ticks all the boxes of a forward who can give Morata a run for his lone striker role in Chelsea’s attack.
Antonio Conte’s side had an under-par summer window and despite the January window seemingly about to slip away, Briaschi believes Dzeko will end up a Chelsea player.
“Now he [Dzeko] has a foot in London,” said the player-turned-agent, who once played for Juventus, to Tutto Mercato Web Radio. “There are still situations to be fixed but I think he will go to Chelsea.
“The proposal is important for Roma and the player.”
Hurdles
Despite Briaschi’s heartwarming statement, other news from Italy suggests there are impediments to be overcome before Dzeko can seal his return to the Premier League.
Gazzetta dello Sport, a reliable publication in Milan, claim that the former Manchester City striker’s family prefer to remain in the Italian capital, and are trying to convince him to stay put.
It has also been suggested that Chelsea, not famous for offering lengthy contracts to thirty-something-year-olds with poor resale value, are only willing to offer the Bosnia skipper a one-year deal. Dzeko turns 32 this March but would rather a two-and-a-half-year contract.
The encouraging part, from a Blues perspective, is that Roma are willing to cash in on their prized asset, with a €50-million deal having reportedly been agreed with the Giallorossi for Dzeko and defender Emerson Palmieri, another player Conte admires.
Despite the striker continuing to play for Roma, director of football Monchi had this to say regarding his situation last week: “Whatever will be will be. I work every day to have players suitable to replace our players, my job is always to strengthen my club.
“If [Dzeko] leaves Roma, we’ll buy another player.”
The other part, of course, is Briaschi’s encouraging statement.
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