AS Roma‘s pursuit of Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko has been given the seal of approval by none other than the legendary Francesco Totti, Mirror Sport reports.
The Serie A giants have been heavily linked with a summer transfer for the Bosnia and Herzegovina striker, as they look to strengthen their attacking options in a bid sustain a serious challenge to Juventus for the league title next season and club captain Totti would welcome the arrival of Dzeko:
“I hope he’s among the new signings because he’s a top player, formidable at scoring goals,” the Italian said.
A fee is yet to be agreed between the two clubs as City reportedly value the 29-year-old at £17.5 million. However, Roma are hoping to strike a deal for less than the asking price [via Manchester Evening News].
The two clubs meet in a pre-season friendly early next week and it would be a surprise if talks don’t continue over a potential deal. However, it would appear Dzeko is in line to play against the Italian giants as he is currently with the City squad in Australia.
His future at the Etihad Stadium has been called into question following the arrival of England international Raheem Sterling from Premier League rivals Liverpool earlier in the week [via Independent Sport].
Should the winger claim a place in manager Manuel Pellegrini’s first-choice starting XI next season, then it is likely to result in the Blues playing only one player up front, as the likes of David Silva and Yaya Toure can largely be considered as guaranteed starters.
Sergio Aguero is clearly the number one striker when he’s fully fit and that could spell another frustrating season for Dzeko if he is still a City player when the transfer window slams shut on September 1, while the arrival of Wilfried Bony has severely complicated matters for the Bosnian.
Last season he made just 11 starts in the league and his last of his four goals came in the 2-1 defeat at the hands of the Merseyside outfit at Anfield in March.
SEE ALSO:
BIGGEST release-clauses in WORLD football: TWO Brits join MEGA-MONEY Chelsea & Man Utd targets in top 10
Man City wanted £50m Man Utd forward before sealing new £49m summer signing
Manchester City: European giants may consider Yaya Toure move with experienced midfielder linked to Arsenal (Video)
Next summer’s European Championships could also be another reason for Dzeko to seek a move away from Manchester this summer as he will need to be playing regularly if he is to lead the national side at the major tournament.