AS Roma have made Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko their Plan B if they miss out on Sevilla hitman Carlos Bacca.
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Sky Sport Italia [via Voce Giallorossa] understand that Roma are now looking to the Etihad Stadium for a new offensive addition as they fear being priced out of a move for Colombian hitman Bacca.
The Sevilla man—fresh off the back of winning the Europa League with the Rojiblancos this season—has been heavily linked with a move away from Spain this summer.
Manchester United are believed to be keen on the striker, with the Metro reporting that Louis van Gaal is planning a move for the 28-year-old, who is currently on Copa America duty with Los Cafeteros.
The Red Devils may yet face competition from Roma, but the Giallorossi are understood to be dissuaded by Sevilla’s asking price of £20 million.
Potentially, they see Dzeko as a cheaper alternative to the South American forward and are aware that the City hitman may well be available this summer.
The Bosnia and Herzegovina forward moved to Manchester in 2011 in a £27 million move from Wolfsburg, and proceeded to win two Premier League titles with the Citizens.
However, the January arrival of Wilfried Bony—who moved to the Etihad Stadium in a £25 million deal from Swansea City—has reduced Dzeko’s playing time and his subsequent impact in Manuel Pellegrini’s side.
The forward managed just four goals in the Premier League this season, starting a miserable 11 matches during a disappointing campaign for the Sky Blues.
At 29, however, Dzeko ought to still have several fine seasons ahead of him, and could be a lethal addition to Roma’s squad.
Rudi Garcia’s side are not the only outfit to be linked with his signature, and may face intense competition should the make a formal approach for the Bosnian.
According to the Daily Star, Dzeko was one of three sides City offered to Liverpool as part of a part-exchange deal to bring Raheem Sterling to Manchester, while Arsenal have also been linked with a move for the attacker [also Daily Star].