Edin Dzeko celebrates after scoring a goal for Roma (Getty Images)
As per Corriere dello Sport (h/t Daily Mail), Real Madrid have joined the race to sign AS Roma forward Edin Dzeko this summer as the Italian side are looking to offload him due to the financial crisis created by the pandemic.
Dzeko, 34, came to prominence during his time with Wolfsburg and was traded to Manchester City in January 2011 where he established himself as one of the top strikers in Europe. He was instrumental in two of their league title-winning campaigns and was later signed by Roma.
Since moving to Italy, Dzeko has gone on to become one of the best in the business despite his advancing years. His impressive performances have also garnered attention from Inter Milan, who are also interested in signing him, as per the report.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos have managed to turn the tide this season after a horrendous previous campaign. The return of Zinedine Zidane has brought positivity to the squad and the La Liga giants have maintained a good run of form so far.
They are currently 2nd in the league standings, two points behind leaders Barcelona and have done a decent job in every department. The attacking unit has scored 49 goals so far and the defence has conceded just 19 goals, which is the best defensive record in the league this season.
Real Madrid are blessed with plenty of world-class attackers in their ranks. Eden Hazard was also signed last summer to bolster their attack. Karim Benzema, Luka Jovic and Mariano Diaz are the three centre-forwards available at the manager’s disposal.
The Frenchman has scored 14 goals so far and is the club’s top scorer this season. However, Jovic has not been at his best but with enough opportunities, he has the ability to develop himself and could lead the line. And Diaz, who has also seen limited game time is available. Thus, signing Dzeko from Roma would not make sense for the Spanish giants.
Dzeko has been brilliant in the past few seasons and has already scored 12 goals this term in Serie A. But he is already 34 and would not be helpful for the club in the future. Madrid also have a lot of youngsters in the squad, who are on loan elsewhere.
The Bosnian is certainly at the top of his game but nothing can be said of his consistency after a year or two. And signing him would also be a waste of resources, given he might end up on the bench. Thus, they should keep their eyes off Dzeko.
Though Jovic and Mariano have not been at their best, they have the ability to lead the line. And Madrid have a plethora of attacking talents in their ranks. Thus, they should avoid signing the former Manchester City man and instead look for a youngster if they wish to bring in reinforcements.
