Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Chelsea transfer news: Edin Dzeko to be ‘main man’ over Alvaro Morata - Paul Merson
EDIN DZEKO will be Chelsea’s number one striker if he joins the Premier League champions.
Edin Džeko scores a stunning volley against Chelsea
That is the verdict of Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson.
Dzeko is being heavily linked with a return to England in a double deal with Roma team-mate Emerson Palmieri.
Roma are understood to want over £45m for the pair and Chelsea are yet to offer the proposed price.
But should Chelsea get the deal for Dzeko over the line, Merson believes the former Manchester City striker won’t settle for being Alvaro Morata’s back-up.
Merson told Sky Sports: “I would say their main priority would be a centre-forward.
Edin Dzeko is a target for Chelsea
If Edin Dzeko arrived I think he would be coming to be the main man
"Michy Batshuayi played well against Brighton but I don't think he is the answer if Alvaro Morata gets a bad injury.
“If Edin Dzeko arrived I think he would be coming to be the main man rather than just play back-up for Morata, which would also open the door for Batshuayi to leave.”
He added: “Can they get anyone else in to strengthen the squad? I'm not so sure.
“With the big teams I always think you need to be looking at signings who can come in and deliver over the course of 10 games and that sort of quality is difficult to find in January.
Edin Dzeko scored against Chelsea earlier in the season
“They will need to strengthen a lot in the summer, though, if they are going to have any chance of closing the gap on Manchester City.”
Speaking in his press conference earlier today, Chelsea boss Antonio Conte refused to discuss their interest in Dzeko.
"I don't know, as you know, if there's news," Conte said.
"The club will inform you."
Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?