Man City demands could scupper AC Milan move for strike star
Published:After initially appearing certain to leave Premier League champions Manchester City this summer, Edin Dzeko’s exit route from Eastlands could now be blocked by his manager’s excessive transfer fee demands.
AC Milan are in the hunt for a physically imposing frontman, as they aim to replace the departed Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and see Dzeko as an ideal option.
The Italians were hoping to pay the Bosnian’s £170,000-per-week wages in full for the duration of a one-year loan deal, with a view to a permanent move eventually being completed next summer.
However, City chief Roberto Mancini has put paid to that idea, insisting that the former Wolfsburg striker will only be allowed to leave the Etihad Stadium on a permanent basis.
Mancini is keen to raise cash to put together a bid for Arsenal forward Robin Van Persie, and as such has slapped a £25m asking price on Dzeko, whom he paid £27m for only a year and a half ago.
City’s stance is also thought to be affected by the recent player sales at the San Siro, where Thiago Silva and the aforementioned Ibrahimovic’s exits have generated in excess of £50m.
Dzeko himself is also aware of the situation, telling Manchester Evening News after last week’s friendly triumph over Wolfsburg: “I always follow the Italian league and one day I would like to play in it. I also know that Milan has sold two of its best players.”
His current manager Mancini maintains that it is “pretty unlikely” that he will leave City this summer however, speaking to Sky Sport Italia after Dzeko had notched a brace in a 4-0 win over Limerick on Sunday.
“He is right to say it’s no fun being on the bench but when you join a big club then competition is normal,” he continued.
With Mancini seemingly willing to count Dzeko amongst his squad options this season, it looks as though AC Milan will have to step up with a firm cash offer if they are serious about landing the Bosnian international.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
