Pointing the way ¦
But where will Dzeko go?
Wolfsburg
star Edin
Dzeko has
given Juventus 48 hours to make him an official offer, or else
he will complete his move to Manchester
City, Goal
International can reveal.
The Bosnian has been the centre of intense media speculation over
the past few weeks, with the English press adamant that only
personal terms separate the hitman from finalising his transfer to
Eastlands.
The Italian media has long since claimed that Dzeko would prefer a
move to Serie A in order to join long-term admirers Juventus, who
were very close to signing him last summer before they instead used
up their one non-EU berth on CSKA Moscow’s Milos Krasic. The Old
Lady did obtain an option on Dzeko, though, as part of the deal
that saw Brazilian playmaker Diego move to Wolfsburg for a
cut-price fee of €15.5 million.
Goal has now learned that Dzeko – who due to Serie A EU rules
cannot join Juventus until the summer – is desperate to move to the
Bianconeri at the end of the current campaign and has handed them a
48-hour ultimatum to present an official offer.
If this is not forthcoming, then
Dzeko will instead complete his transfer to Manchester City, most
likely on Thursday, for a fee in the region of €32m. City and
Wolfsburg have already agreed upon a transfer fee, but the Bosnian
has yet to give the green light as he clings onto hope of
Juve.
A source close to the player told Goal: "Dzeko has made it clear
many times that Serie A is his favourite league and that he wants
Juventus.
"However, he cannot wait around forever. We are talking about one
of the best forwards in the world and Edin must think as a
professional too.
"He cannot wait any longer than 48 hours. It is in Juve's hands,
but they are running out of time."
Dzeko’s heart is almost certainly
not with Wolfsburg anymore. Goal Germany reports that at the club’s
mid-season training camp in Marbella yesterday, the 24-year-old’s
body language was very poor and he did not speak to any of his
team-mates. Dzeko also refused any interviews after the session
ended.
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini confirmed in his
pre-Arsenal match press conference that a fee with Wolfsburg has
been settled.
"For Dzeko, I can say only one piece, that we have agreed with
Wolfsburg, but we'll speak after Arsenal," he stated.
"I think Dzeko is a good player, all teams in Europe want
him."
Tuttosport claims that Juventus sporting director Giuseppe
Marotta is considering tabling a bid today of €30m plus Malian
midfielder Mohamed Sissoko for Dzeko. Bayern Munich are also
attempting a late hijack, but are considered rank
outsiders.