Roma are reportedly weighing up a move for Zenit St Petersburg forward Sardar Azmoun to replace departing Edin Dzeko. According to CorSport journalist Jacopo Aliprandi, the Giallorossi are ready to launch a bid to sign the Iran international in the coming days.
After a six-year spell in the Italian capital, Dzeko is ready to wave goodbye to Roma and team up with Inter. Although Jose Mourinho’s side signed Eldor Shomurodov from Genoa earlier in the summer, the Bosnian’s imminent departure requires a new face in the attacking department.
In addition to Shomurodov, Mourinho can count on Borja Mayoral to lead the line next term. However, the Special One wants to ensure quality and depth as he bids to help Roma fight the way back into the Serie A top four. That’s where Azmoun comes in.
The 26-year-old has spent practically his entire senior career in Russia’s top-flight, alternating between Rubin Kazan and Rostov before joining Zenit in 2019. Since landing a contract at the Krastovsky Stadium, Azmoun has developed into one of the Russian Premier League’s headline performers.
During a two-year stint at Zenit, he has netted 57 goals and provided 19 assists in 87 appearances in all competitions. Despite Azmoun’s household status in St Petersburg, he is on the verge of exiting Russia for a high-profile move.
With his current deal set to expire in less than a year, Azmoun is likely to secure a new contract elsewhere. Bayer Leverkusen long seemed to be the front-runners to capture his services, but the Germans have recently extended Lucas Alario’s stay in the Bundesliga.
Alario’s extension has effectively slammed the door shut for Azmoun’s arrival. But, when one door closes, another opens. Roma have seen the window of opportunity and are looking to seize it. However, the Giallorossi will have to fork out around €25m to receive Zenit’s go-ahead.
Even though it may sound too expensive for a player in the final year of his contract, Roma desperately need a top-class scorer to replace Dzeko. Azmoun has yet to ply his trade in Europe’s top-five divisions, but there must be a good reason he’s been dubbed the Iranian Messi.