As Chelsea’s search for a striker continues, reports today claim that the Blues are close to completing a £52m double transfer for Edin Dzeko and Emerson Palmieri.
No fewer than six strikers have been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in the past week, however, the best of the bunch and the most realistic appears to be the links with the former Manchester City striker, Dzeko.
It has been reported that Chelsea are now close to completing his signing of the Bosnian striker, which will include Italian left back Emerson Palmieri for a fee of £52m.
The two clubs held productive talks on Sunday night, with Dzeko’s agents ready to jet to London to finalise personal terms, to which the majority have already been agreed.
While Roma are reluctant to sell their star striker, they also acknowledge that it would be difficult to turn down an offer for the 32-year-old, whose value will only depreciate in coming months and years.
The Daily Mail claim that the deal for the Roma duo will be an initial £44m, with a further £8m payable in add ons, which will help the Serie A club raise the £36.7m to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations.
Dzeko started Roma’s fixture against Inter Milan on Sunday, but club director Monchi says he is happy to find a replacement.:
”Whatever will be will be will be. I work every day to have players suitable to replace our players, my job is to always strengthen the club. If Dzeko leaves Roma, we’ll buy another player.”
One player who has been linked as a potential replacement for Dzeko is Liverpool, and former Chelsea striker, Daniel Sturridge, who has also been linked with a move to Inter Milan.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s move for Italian full back Palmieri will happen regardless of what happens with Dzeko, with Antonio Conte keen to add back up for Marcos Alonso.