La Liga champions Real Madrid have reportedly rejected the opportunity to sign 36-year-old Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko from Serie A giants Inter Milan.
According to reputed Spanish journalist Anton Meana, intermediaries had offered Edin Dzeko to Real Madrid over a possible cut-price move in the summer transfer window. But the Merengues are not interested in signing the 36-year-old striker from Serie A giants Inter Milan due to his advanced age.
Edin Dzeko has been one of the most underrated strikers across Europe in the last decade and a half. The veteran forward first burst into prominence during his four-year stint with VfL Wolfsburg before rising in stature exponentially following his move to Manchester City in 2011. The Bosnian international’s stock skyrocketed when he joined AS Roma seven years ago.
Dzeko enjoyed a superb six-year stint with AS Roma, even becoming their club captain before joining then-Serie A champions Inter Milan last summer. And the 36-year-old was decent enough in the 2021/22 season, amassing 17 goals and ten assists in 48 appearances. But recent reports have linked him with Real Madrid.
Some reports suggested that Real Madrid held an interest in Dzeko as they looked to replace Luka Jovic and Mariano Diaz. And while Jovic has joined Serie A outfit Fiorentina this summer, Mariano is yet to find a new club, meaning Real Madrid will not enter the market for a striker for now.
?️ Informa @antonmeana
? El Real Madrid sigue peinando el mercado por un delantero por si salen Asensio y Mayoral
? Debe ser una opción buena, bonita y barata para ser suplente
❌ Se ha ofrecido a Dzeko, pero no llegará por su edad pic.twitter.com/TkeRmhIkKD
— El Larguero (@ellarguero) July 20, 2022
But even if Mariano leaves, Real Madrid might not sign any other player, with Carlo Ancelotti insisting that the Spanish giants are done with their summer transfer business as far as new signings are concerned. The Italian tactician claimed he might try Eden Hazard and Marco Asensio in central roles in the coming season.
However, with Asensio, Hazard and Borja Mayoral facing uncertain futures at the Santiago Bernabeu, the Merengues will need to keep their options open. Dzeko had thus emerged as a possible target, with intermediaries offering the 36-year-old to them. But Real Madrid will not sign the Inter Milan striker due to his advanced age.
With Karim Benzema also well into his thirties, it does not make much sense for Real Madrid to sign another ageing striker, especially when they need to lay down a succession plan for the French international. So Dzeko will likely remain at Inter Milan, with Alexander Isak being a possible alternative.
