Arkadiusz Milik seems to be close to join Roma. Victor Osimhen’s arrival started the ticking clock and it was only a matter of time before Napoli would get rid of him. The Partenopei are edging close to their goal with the Polish forward nearing a move away from San Paolo.
So, Milik’s new hunting ground is reported to be Stadio Olimpico. Roma stole a march on Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. While Spurs made headlines with Gareth Bale rejoining after seven years, the Red Devils cannot catch a break. Only Donny van de Beek has arrived, while one after another, their targets opt for rivals in the current transfer window.
There were rumors about Roma failing to agree to Milik’s salary demands but that issue has been resolved as well. His €5 million request will be met by the Giallorossi and the Tychy native will be a Roma player.
Milik has huge boots to fill at Roma. Eden Dzeko has been a force to reckon with despite his advancing age. The Roma captain has single-handedly shouldered the scoring burden. He has used his burgeoning presence to good use, profiting from the enterprising displays from the flanks. And when there has not been any support, he has used his domineering ability to trouble his markers and scorers.
Dzeko was the last remaining remnant of stars in the Italian capital. He is reportedly ready to move to pastures new, probably to Juventus, and get that elusive Serie A winners medal. Andrea Pirlo fancies him and wants to pair him with Cristiano Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala.
Meanwhile, Milik arrives in Rome after failing to live up to his billing in Southern Italy. There aren’t question marks about his ability. The 51-time capped Polish international has plenty in his reservoir. It is Milik’s ability to stay away from the treatment table that is worrying. Only once in his four seasons at San Paolo was the forward available for 45+ games.
In the recently completed 2019-20 campaign, he only made 26 Serie A appearances while Dzeko made 35. The Bosnian was an ever-present figure for the Giallorossi during his five-year stay, while his replacement finds it difficult to manage successive games without breaking down.
However, if coach Paolo Fonseca can manage to keep the former Ajax star fit, he can ably add value to his system. Milik is different from Dzeko but offers more quality as a striker. He is a genuine goalscorer who can not only hold the ball during a buildup play but also lead counter-attacking chances.
The 26-year-old’s movement off the ball is an improvement on Dzeko. The veteran has lost his speed over the years and is a lumbering presence who disrupts the opposition. This is why he boasts off an impressive assist record of 35 to go with his 78 Serie A strikes in 172 appearances. His goal contribution comes at 119 minutes, better than Milik’s 128.4.
It is a gamble to replace Milik with Dzeko. However, this is all based on speculations in the rumor mill. To be specific, speculations about Dzeko wanting to leave the Giallorossi, or Juventus forcing Roma’s hands. The Old Lady already have too many old heads in their dressing room.
For Roma, with Nicolò Zaniolo and Diego Perotti injured, the arrival of Milik at the Stadio Olimpico might actually be to strengthen Fonseca’s dressing room. Milik can play off a target man as he has had success in such systems. The manager would like such a scenario after battling with injuries to first-team regulars last season.
Financially, the Pole’s arrival will not be such a big issue on their wage bill. The Romans have new owners in the Friedkin Group and they would not get rid of their last talisman. Moreover, with their arrival, penny-pinching to the detriment of the squad is expected to go out of style.
The deal has yet to be completed but it has surely opened a myriad of talking points for the Giallorossi faithful.