Transfer News: Manuel Pellegrini Admits Edin Dzeko Could Leave Manchester City

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini admitted Edin Dzeko could leave Etihad this summer. The Bosnian striker has been reported to be linked with Arsenal and AS Roma with the latter ready to prepare a huge deal to acquire Dzeko.

Pellegrini, who recently revealed City is not done yet in signing players from the transfer market, confirmed Dzeko did not play on the club’s pre-season game on Tuesday because it was “not clear” if the 29-year-old will continue to be part of City’s campaign. However, the Chilean boss admitted Dzeko is still working with City along with other players.

"Edin didn't play the last game as it's not clear if he will continue here or not, but he is still working here with the whole squad,” Pellegrini said.

The Bosnia-Herzegovina international only came as a substitute in the 65th minute of City’s 4-1 defeat against Real Madrid on Friday. With the recent addition of former Liverpool striker Raheem Sterling, Dzeko has fallen even further down the pecking order of City as noted by Independent.co.uk.

With Dzeko’s imminent departure from City, Roma’s chances to land the striker has improved. According to ESPN FC, the Italian giants have readied €20 million to acquire Dzeko once he officially leaves City. Roma captain Francesco Totti, who has been a big fan of Dzeko, called out on the club to bring the three-time Bosnia Football player of the year awardee to Stadio Olimpico.

Arsenal has also shown interests in signing Dzeko after reports that Gunners’ boss Arsene Wenger has been desperately looking to get a striker from the transfer market, according to Metro.co.uk. Arsenal director Lord Harris said the 65-year-old Wenger has placed a “superstar” centre-forward on the team’s wish list.

"You've got to get the other team to want to sell him, but I think he wants to come. It basically comes down to whether the other team can find a superstar to replace him, because they don't have to sell,” Harris told Daily Mail.

Dzeko made 22 appearances with City, but only started 11 games. He signed a deal with the Sky Blues last year, but eventually lost his spot in Pellegrini’s rotation.

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