With 10 league goals , three assists in 21 Seria A games this season , Edin Dzeko might be the immediate answer to Chelsea's offensive woes, yet it remains to be seen if his signing is rational long term . Turning 32 in March and costing over £25m as well as demanding a massive €100,000 weekly wages in a side who are reluctant to offer more than a year contract to players over 30 is a problem Chelsea will have to rethink before sealing his transfer . Why shouldn't such funds be used to sign younger less proven players rather than spent on a player who is likely to decline sooner or later. Tiemoue Bakayoko, Zapacosta, Antonio Rudiger, Alvaro Morata (all costing over €35m) are young players Chelsea signed this summer yet none has hit the heights expected (inconsistent) despite delivering in selected games. Based on such factor, what is the guarantee that another younger player will immediately turn out better in Chelsea going by the lessons of last summer?
The duo of Morata and Mitchy Batshuayi have scored a paltry two goals in the league since December to say the least ; while Dzeko guarantees at least a goal every two games since his time in Wolfsburg. Under Conte, the Bosnian will be the focal point of attack considering the style the Italian employed in Italy with Graziano Pelle which is something Batshuayi has failed to add to his game. Conte it appears wants to switch his pattern of play like he did last season with a 3-4-3 formation. The Italian has realised he needs a physical and technical player who is able to play alone upfront at the same time allowing the other attackers to finish off attacks. Hold-up- play , shooting accuracy, aerial prowess, keeping possession, winning mentality/playing under pressure and finishing are some of the qualities Conte wants. As target man, Dzeko will play with his back to goal, holding up the ball and creating chances for the likes of Eden Hazard and Pedro at the same time being a nightmare for defenders on the air. Last season, Dzeko attempted more shots than any other player in Seria A with only Christiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Harry Kane the only players attempting more shots than he did in Europe's top Five leagues.
In 89 Seria A games, the striker has scored 52 goals while in Roma; at the same time scoring 39 goals across all competitions last season having joined Roma for €11m. With a less spectacular goal this season, Chelsea must be sure the Bosnian is not in decline as he ages considering that was the same case when Fernando Torres and Andry Shevchenko joined the London club. It might also be better for Chelsea to keep the cash and wait until the end of the season to sign a striker as the rush might not be worth it considering Dzeko is ineligible to play in the Champions League. With his game not based on pace and physicality, Dzeko might even play until his mid 30s as he his more of a predator (able to be at the right place at the right time) and also keeping the ball for long . While in Wolfsburg the Bosnian scored over 66 goals in 111 Bundesliga games as well as 50 goals in 130 EPL games for City which makes this season return of 10 in 21 games probably a sign he might be on the decline.
Tammy Abraham (four goals in 20 EPL games) has shown in Swansea that he needs lots of time before he can turn out consistently for Chelsea which makes the signing of a striker a priority for Chelsea. Also to be considered is the fact Antonio Conte might not be around much longer judging from his difficult relationship with the Chelsea board which makes sense that the Bosnian shouldn't be signed as the new manager might not fancy him. Whatever decision Chelsea takes, the signing or non-signing of Edin Dzeko will either be a gamble or masterstroke this winter.
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