Roma striker Edin Dzeko is reportedly on the cusp of joining Inter after agreeing on personal terms with the Serie A champions. As reported by Corriere dello Sport (via SempreInter), the Bosnia & Herzegovina international will replace Romelu Lukaku, who is departing for Chelsea.
Inter have agreed to sell Lukaku to Chelsea for a reported fee of €115m, upsetting the new boss Simone Inzaghi and the entire Nerazzurri faithful in the process. The 28-year-old was an instrumental part of Antonio Conte’s title-winning generation and was expected to spearhead the attack next season.
However, Inter’s financial problems have forced them to sell another key first-team player following Achraf Hakimi’s move to Paris Saint-Germain. Without Lukaku in the frame, the Lombard giants are in desperate need of a new No 9. It seems that their choice has fallen on Dzeko, who is likely to be available on a free transfer.
Reputed journalist Fabrizio Romano claims Inter are negotiating a two-year contract with the 35-year-old. He adds that they are close to reaching an agreement with Roma, who are willing to give up the experienced strikers on favorable terms.
Dzeko has been one of Roma’s standout performers since arriving at the Stadio Olimpico from Manchester City in 2015. During his six-year stint in the capital, the Bosnian marksman has clocked up 85 goals and 39 assists in 199 Serie A appearances for the Giallorossi.
Considering his contract in Rome is due to run out at the end of next season, Dzeko is the cheapest alternative for Lukaku. However, replacing one of the deadliest strikers in Europe with a man who has already put one foot in retirement could backfire on Inter next season.
Atalanta’s Duvan Zapata remains an option for the Nerazzurri, but given the club’s current financial state, it looks like a long shot.