Il Romanista has recently revealed that Southampton have reportedly launched an offer for AS Roma forward Edin Dzeko but might not ‘satisfy the player’s ambitions’. It is believed that the Italian outfit are considering selling the ex-Premier League striker, but the Saints might find it difficult to convince the player to join them (via Il Romanista).
Dzeko’s Important Contributions At Stadio Olimpico This Season
It has been a productive season for the Bosnia-Herzegovina international as he has put on quite a few impressive displays on the offensive end of the pitch. Dzeko has managed to net eight goals and provide two assists in 20 appearances for Paulo Fonseca’s side this term in multiple competitions.
The 34-year-old has given a good account of himself as a centre-forward after averaging 2.7 shots, 1.1 key passes and 1.1 dribbles per match in the Serie A this season. Still, he needs to improve his ball-distribution as evidenced by his pass success rate of 69.7% in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
Dzeko has currently got less than 18 months remaining on his contract with Roma, so both the player and the club can benefit from parting ways with each other before the end of this month as the player has fallen out of favour with Paulo Fonseca.
What Does The Veteran Forward Bring To The Table?
Dzeko has been a prolific goalscorer throughout his career and can still contribute by scoring some important goals for his team in the final third. He can use his strong 1.93m frame to win many aerial duels and can be a potent threat in the air from dead-ball situations deep inside the opponent’s half.
The 112-time Bosnia-Herzegovina international has a wealth of experience playing at the highest level and knows the Premier League well from his time at Manchester City. He has previously won the league title twice during his time at Manchester, so he would have undoubtedly helped the Saints push for a European place this season.
Is Dzeko The Right Choice For Ralph Hasenhüttl?
Currently, Dzeko would be a great choice for a club like Southampton as he will add even more goals to their attack. Plus, the uncertainty surrounding Danny Ings’ long-term future at the St. Mary’s Stadium has increased Ralph Hasenhuttl’s need to sign a new striker.
Dzeko will undoubtedly be a decent short-term replacement for Ings if the Saints decide to give the English striker his wish by selling him to a UEFA Champions League club. However, Hasenhuttl will find it difficult to lure Dzeko to the south coast of England as the player’s ambition might not align with what he is trying to build at Southampton.
