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What's the story?
Chelsea are all set to make a move for AS Roma striker Edin Dzeko, according to a report in Italian news outlet, Mediaset Premium. The Blues have been linked with a whole host of strikers in January, the most recent being Andy Carroll, in no small part due to Antonio Conte's men scoring a solitary goal in their last 390 minutes of football - which came against Championship side Norwich City.
Dzeko would not come cheap, as the Bosnian striker is the lynchpin of Eusebio di Francesco's attack, having broken the club's scoring record last season with 29 goals in a single Serie A season, going past Rodolfo Volk's tally set in 1930/31.
The Giallorossi may not sell as sporting director Monchi is also fielding offers for Emerson Palmieri and Radja Nainggolan, according to the same report.
In case you didn't know...
Edin Dzeko started life as a midfielder, and his poor performances for Željezničar resulted in him moving away from Bosnia to the Czech League, where his performances for Teplice saw VFL Wolfsburg bring him to the Bundesliga for €4 million, in 2007.
A stellar season from the Bosnian in 2008/09 resulted in a shock league title for Wolfsburg, and interest from other top clubs in Europe. Manchester City won the race for his signature, paying €32 million for his services in 2011.
However, the Bosnian struggled to displace Sergio Aguero from the City lineup and spent most of his Premier League career as a second-choice striker.
The heart of the matter
AS Roma parted with €15 million for Dzeko's services, but the Bosnian endured a horrific first season, only to break records with his second season under Luciano Spalletti. Dzeko has had a fairly mediocre start to life under Eusebio di Francesco, with 9 goals this season.
Chelsea are already in talks with Roma, although they're negotiating Emerson Palmieri's sale - a package deal including Dzeko might be possible - given Roma's need for funds, as they line up a new stadium. Dzeko has already tormented Chelsea this season, having scored twice against the Blues in the UEFA Champions League.
Rumour Reliability
3/10
Mediaset Premium are quite hit-and-miss with the stories they report in Italy, and while Chelsea's offer might very well be real, the idea that AS Roma would let go of their main striker in January seems ludicrous.
A summer move might be more likely, especially given Dzeko's decline as a 31-year-old seems likely.
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Author's Take:
Edin Dzeko would undoubtedly improve Chelsea, and may even displace Alvaro Morata as Chelsea's first choice striker. Antonio Conte is well aware of the Bosnian's abilities - and if Roma are willing to sell, the Blues ought to go all out for a striker that perfectly suits their system.
