Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko has talked up a potential move to Italy amid uncertainty regarding his long-term future at the Etihad Stadium.
The Bosnia and Herzegovina international, 28, helped lead City to the English Premier League title with a flurry of goals at the latter stages of the 2013/14 campaign but his future in Manchester remains in doubt, with a host of top European clubs, including the likes of Arsenal, Milan, Monaco and Roma, keen on the hitman.
Dzeko grew up with an admiration for the Italian top-flight and has admitted he would welcome a move to the Serie A. That said, staying at Manchester City is by no means a ‘bad option.’
“As a kid, my reference point was Serie A,” Dzeko told Corriere della Sera, per Sky Sports.
“I supported Milan, the best players were there, it was a spectacle. The Premier League was not so popular, it had a lot less charm.
“Now, everything is different. The perception we have of Italy is negative. There have been too many scandals, the stadiums are old, not up to it. It is such a shame. But my friend Miralem [Pjanic] always speaks well of Roma.
“Would I go to Italy? City are a great team. We have just won the Premier League, we want to do better in the next Champions League.
“But I have always thought it would be nice to experience Italy. When, I do not know.”
Dzeko, who is currently valued at around £22 million, bagged 16 goals in 31 Premier League appearances for City last term, including five in his last four starts.
Zarate agrees to join West Ham United
Former FC Internazionale Milano winger Mauro Zarate has agreed to join West Ham United from Argentine side Velez Sarsfield, according to the Daily Mail.
Zarate, who returned to form last term — becoming the top goal-scorer in Argentina, is set to ink a three-year deal at Upton Park and will become manager Sam Allardyce’s first signing of the summer transfer window.
“It’s a new chance for me. West Ham called me. They are a fierce team and now I think I want to play [there],” said Zarate.
Allardyce is also reportedly tracking free agent pair Joleon Lescott and Martin Olsson in an attempt to bolster the Hammers’ defence ahead of the 2014/15 Premier League campaign.
Meanwhile, free-agent-to-be Bacary Sagna has rubbished reports suggesting he has already agreed a deal to join Manchester City when his contract at Arsenal expires on 30 June.
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