As one of the most prolific goalscorers in AS Roma’s modern history, few fans would want to see Edin Dzeko leave the club. The Bosnian has done a lot to help fill the post-Francesco Totti void, becoming a key clutch player for the Roman giants. However, problems with coach Paulo Fonseca have been building under the surface for some time. With the duo having severed ties due to a major fallout, it looks like the Roma board have backed the coach – so, Dzeko will move on. But where to?
The biggest link at present appears to be with Internazionale. Antonio Conte is known to be fond of veterans, especially up front, and believes Dzeko would make a great third option to cover for Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez. However, Dzeko looks likely to be replaced by another long-term Roma target in Alexis Sanchez. The Chilean livewire has struggled to play to anything like his pre-Manchester United form, but Roma do have previous for resuming the careers of talent that has lost its way to some extent.
So, expect to see a move for the duo take place in the near future. The duo have make impressions at their current clubs – Dzeko clearly more than Sanchez – but a swap deal could take place to see both players arrive at new destinations within Serie A.
Who gets the better deal?
While Sanchez might be the younger of the two, his long-term injury history and total loss of meaningful form over the last three years would be a massive concern. Sanchez looks like a player who has played too much football for his age, and now looks somewhat burnt-out in terms of his physique and his ability to play to a high level.
Dzeko, though, still provides at least another 18-months of quality football up front for a top side. It would be fair, too, to say that Dzeko would be seen as the ideal fit for Inter. Experienced, a big-game scorer, and a player who knows how to hit the back of the net with consistency; Dzeko brings everything that Inter need in a third-pick forward. He could also easily link-up with both Lukaku and Martinez, offering Inter another focal point to build from.
Despite the fact he would be on massive wages for a player of his age, Dzeko is the ideal fit for a ‘win now’ Inter. The club have every chance to end their long trophy drought and bring home the Scudetto, as they sit just behind city rivals AC Milan. While Dzeko might be the most short-term of options, if he plays a role in bringing home a 19th Serie A title it will be seen as money well-spent.
For Roma, the move to bring in Sanchez offers the club another experienced player to try and revive – just as they did to great success with Dzeko. Will it work? Who knows, but there is always the possibility that, once again, the Eternal City revives the youthful Sanchez fans watched with amazement for years.
