Real Madrid have shown an interest in signing Edin Dzeko from Inter Milan this summer, with the veteran star also on the radars of Valencia and Juventus.
According to Italian broadcasters Sport Mediaset (h/t Inter Live), Inter Milan striker Edin Dzeko could be on the move in the summer transfer window, with the veteran striker attracting interest from Real Madrid, Juventus and Valencia.
Dzeko arrived at Inter Milan only last summer, joining from Serie A rivals AS Roma as a replacement for Romelu Lukaku, who had left the Nerazzurri for Chelsea. Despite being 36 years old, the veteran centre-forward proved his worth to Simone Inzaghi’s side as he finished the campaign with 17 goals and ten assists from 49 appearances in all competitions.
However, with Inter Milan making it clear that they are trying to sign Lukaku and Paulo Dybala this summer, Dzeko’s place in the squad has come under threat. Indeed, the Italian giants are open to parting ways with the Bosnian goalscorer, which has seemingly alerted several clubs, including Real Madrid.
The reigning Spanish and European champions have Karim Benzema as their first-choice No. 9. But there is a distinct lack of quality as far as a backup for the French international goes. Both Luka Jovic and Mariano Diaz have underwhelmed when given chances and are likely to depart this summer.
Although Real Madrid can call upon academy products Borja Mayoral and Juanmi Latasa, adding another experienced striker up top to cover for Benzema as they go about defending their domestic and European crowns would be a shrewd move. To that end, Carlo Ancelotti’s side have seemingly identified Edin Dzeko as a target.
The 36-year-old might not be a spring chicken anymore but proved that he can still be a reliable goalscorer last season. With his contract expiring in the summer of 2020, the former Manchester City striker is unlikely to cost a great deal in transfer fees, making him a low-risk option for Real Madrid.
However, as per the report, Real Madrid will have to face competition for Dzeko, with Juventus interested in the veteran forward, possibly as a backup for Dusan Vlahovic. Furthermore, Los Blancos’ La Liga rivals Valencia have also joined the race for Dzeko, with new manager Gennaro Gattuso keen on working with the Bosnian superstar.
It will be interesting to see if Real Madrid decide to press ahead with their pursuit of Dzeko this summer or bank on the talents of Mayoral and Latasa to act as a backup for Benzema.
