Serie A giants AS Roma are set to make an opening bid for Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko, according to reports in Mirror Sport.
The Bosnia and Herzegovina international could be surplus to requirements at the Etihad Stadium for the upcoming season following the summer arrival of Raheem Sterling and the January addition of Wilfried Bony, who joined the club from Premier League rivals Swansea City six months ago.
Should manager Manuel Pellegrini stick with the 4-5-1 formation that served his side so well in the final games of last season, then Dzeko is likely to be the third-choice striker behind the Ivorian and Sergio Aguero.
Given Dzeko’s goalscoring qualities, it has been no surprise that a host of top European clubs have enquired about his situation and it appears that Roma are leading the chase for his signature.
The Italian giants are in the transfer market for a new striker as manager Rudi Garcia looks to assemble a squad that is capable of posing a genuine threat to Juventus for the title next season after fading away during the second half of last season.
Legendary striker Francesco Totti was the Rome outfit’s joint top-scorer last year with eight goals, and it’s clear that their offensive department needs to be strengthened ahead of the new season. Reports in the British media suggest the Serie A side are set to launch a £12.5 million bid for Dzeko in the coming days.
However, with City reportedly unwilling to budge from their £17.5 million valuation of the player, it remains to be seen whether Roma are prepared to raise their offer, and refusal to do so could open the door for both Arsenal and Tottenham to swoop for the 29-year-old.
The Gunners’ search for a new striker saw them linked with a potential move for Dzeko over the weekend as manager Arsene Wenger is reportedly interested in the former Wolfsburg hitman [via Independent Sport], while Spurs have been tipped to bring in a player that can take the pressure of Harry Kane for the upcoming season.
SEE ALSO:
(Image) Arsenal star Theo Walcott poses with Jessie J in latest instagram post
Arsenal lodge €45m bid for one of Europe’s most consistent striking weapons, claims respected journalist
Tottenham target Man United striker as Mauricio Pochettino seeks to strengthen attack
Dzeko endured a frustrating season last year as he only started 11 games in the league, but was able to remind everyone of his ability to score in the big games with a goal against Liverpool at Anfield back in March.