Confusion prevails over Edin Dzeko's situation as Pjanic and agent air contrasting claims
Miralem Pjanic has said that his Bosnia and Herzegovina teammate Edin Dzeko “would come running” to Roma should an opportunity present itself. Speaking to Roma News, Pjanic added, “His salary would not be a problem because he’s adept. But now it’s all up to the club.”
Uncertainty regarding Gervinho’s future at AS Roma has forced the Italian club to look at alternatives, with Edin Dzeko on top of their wish list. Pjanic’s friendship with the Manchester City forward is no secret and that adds major significance to the statement.
FFP rules a concern for AS Roma
The transfer fee is reported to be the major stumbling block for Roma. The capital club, along with fellow Italian club Inter Milan, was slapped with fines and had their squad size curtailed for the upcoming season after breaching Financial Fair Play rules.
Manchester City’s supposed interest in 23-year-old Serbian Adem Ljajic could be used to make the deal happen, with the Giallorossi unable to make an outright purchase. The striker could be used in a swap deal as City are looking to rejuvenate the squad after a disappointing 2014/15 campaign.
Dzeko now third in the pecking order at Manchester City
Edin Dzeko moved to the Etihad after an impressive spell in the Bundesliga with Wolfsburg, becoming the top scorer in the club’s history with 59 goals in 96 appearances. Since his arrival on a £27million deal, Dzeko has proved his worth chipping in with crucial goals, including the injury-time equaliser in the dramatic finale to the 2011/12 campaign. He also played a major part in the 2013/14 title winning season as well, scoring 26 goals in all competitions.
The Bosnian striker penned a four-year contract extension worth over £100,000-a-week at City during the early stages of the 2014/15 campaign. “I’m settled perfectly to life here. City is like a second home to me,” Dzeko had then said according to Sky Sports.
But the season didn’t pan out the way he would have liked with a meagre return of six goals in all competitions. Adding to Dzeko’s insecurity was the arrival of forward Wilfred Bony from Swansea during the January transfer window.
Dzeko’s agent maintains his client is happy at Etihad
However, Edin Dzeko’s representative, Irfan Redzepagic, rubbished the claims stating no contact has been made with Roma regarding a transfer.
“I am not aware of any talks between the two clubs. I was frankly surprised by Pjanic’s comments unless he knows something that I don’t,” his agent added, according to Rete Sport.
Whether Dzeko will end up in Serie A, where his favourite player Andriy Shevchenko made his name, is uncertain. But we are sure to hear more on this story in the coming days.