After inquiries for the likes of Andy Carroll and Peter Crouch, Antonio Conte’s Blues appear to have widen their search for a striker.
In a double deal worth around £52million, Chelsea are closing in on the signings of former Manchester City star striker Edin Dzeko and full-back Emerson Palmieri from Roma.
Both Roma and the Stamford Bridge side reportedly held productive talks on Sunday night, with Dzeko’s agents ready to finalise personal terms with Chelsea.
The Bosnian 31-year-old has netted 38 goals in 56 domestic games since moving permanently to the Italian capital, leading to interest from Premier League clubs.
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Dzeko is said to have concerns over playing time if he moves to this winter transfer window, as he would be cup tied for the Champions League.
However, last season’s title winning manager Conte, is keen to protect Alvaro Morata from the heavy schedule that has seen his form dip over the last few weeks.
Accompanying Dzeko to Chelsea could be 23-year-old left-back Emerson Palmieri. Now representing Italy after changing allegiances from Brazil, he has not long recovered from a ligament injury that needed lengthy time on the treatment table.
Despite scoring six goals from defence this term, Marcos Alonso’s place in the Blues lineup is in danger, with Conte favouring pace in the wider areas.
