Roma Confirms Interest In Edin Dzeko, City Reportedly Open to Negotiations

If it feels like we've been talking about Edin Dzeko for months, it's because we have, since April as a matter of fact. Over the course of those three plus months, this story has evolved from pure speculation to actual negotiations. Starting out as nothing more than gossip that Dzeko, having fallen down the pecking order at Manchester City, would presumably love to join the world's other most famous Bosnian, Miralem Pjanic, at Roma, the speculation gradually became more evocative, and thus more plausible and easier rationalized, once the flowery praise started flowing from each man; they work so well together on the international stage, why not set Serie A afire?

This sort of rumor is nothing unique, however--international teammates frequently conspire to team up at the club level. Hell, we saw it with Gervinho and Seydou Doumbia before that move became official, and even in the NBA with LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh several years ago. However, as the weeks rolled by, the Dzeko to Roma speculation gained traction, and it wasn't long before financial figures and potential replacements (on the City end of the equation) started filling the papers.

Soon those figures became more concrete and word that Roma had actually reached a five year €4.5m per year deal with Dzeko emerged, which, in case you hadn't noticed, weren't really refuted by either party. But we've seen this movie before, nothing is real until it is, especially in the summer transfer window.

Not one to play coy, Walter Sabatini, much like the inexperienced or eager dater, put his feelings right on the table. Speaking at a "Football Fest" in Perugia on Friday evening, Sabatini admitted his interest in Dzeko was legitimate. He likes him likes him, you guys.

Dzeko is not very close, but Roma are trying to get him. He's the right man for us, but tough to get, as he's expensive.

Okay, great, but that's only one end of the deal, what about the Citizens? With Stevan Jovetic's imminent departure, are they will to let another talented striker leave?

Well, it depends on who you ask. La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that City is amenable to a deal and might actually prefer dealing with Roma, deeming Sevilla's €15m plus bonuses deal insufficient. However, the fine folks at ESPN claim that City will not force either Dzeko or Jovetic out the door, which could make for a tough negotiation. Of course, with City's sights set on both Paul Pogba and Kevin DeBruyne, something has got to give.

Making matters worse, Sabatini pretty much burned the Ibrahimovic bridge by saying Zlatan was just as likely to ruin a club as rescue it. So, at this point, barring some back channel move for Alexandre Lacazette or even Jovetic himself, it's Dzeko or bust.

#DaretoDzeko. Learn it, live it, love it. It's the theme of the summer.