- Chelsea said to be chasing Roma pair Dzeko and Emerson Palmieri
- Initial €50m bid rejected, Italian giants reportedly want €60m
- Duo would undoubtedly address two major problems that Conte has
- READ MORE: ‘Blessing in disguise’ – Chelsea fans don’t want missing player to return after Brighton thrashing
Chelsea finally ended their barren run in front of goal on Saturday, but reports claim they’ll still press ahead with key signings next week.
Antonio Conte’s side had gone on a run of scoring just one goal in four games in all competitions, leading to mounting pressure on attacking stars such as Alvaro Morata and Eden Hazard.
However, the Blues responded on Saturday with a 4-0 win over Brighton, and that will undoubtedly have lifted spirits at Stamford Bridge for the time being.
Nevertheless, there are weaknesses in this Chelsea squad that remain, most notably up front with a lack of depth and options beside Morata, while the same could be argued about the left wing-back situation and Marcos Alonso.
According to Sky Sport Italia journalist Fabrizio Romano, as seen in his tweet below, Chelsea could look to address the two issues in one swoop, as they eye deals for Roma pair Edin Dzeko and Emerson Palmieri.
He claims both players have agreed to join Chelsea already, but ultimately there is no agreement with Roma as they value the pair at €60m including bonuses.
#Chelsea and #Roma are in talks for Edin Dzeko and Emerson Palmieri. The players have accepted Chelsea and they’re waiting.
First bid: €50M for both, rejected. Roma asked €50M + €10 M add ons.
Next week #Chelsea and Roma will try to find final agreement. ???#CFC #transfers— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 21, 2018
Given Dzeko is coming off a season in which he bagged 39 goals in 51 games, 29 of which came in Serie A as he ended the campaign as top goalscorer in the league, coupled with the fact that the 31-year-old already possesses experience of playing in the Premier League, he would seem like an ideal addition to add more of a goalscoring threat for Chelsea.
In turn, that move makes sense. However, given Emerson Palmieri has yet to feature regularly this season after recovering from a serious knee injury, that should perhaps raise a question mark over whether or not that’s the most sensible of moves.
Nevertheless, provided he passes his medical with flying colours if a deal gets that far, there shouldn’t be an issue. With Alonso playing heavy minutes this season with no real cover or alternative in the squad, it would be another key addition for the Blues which should please Conte.