Juventus Line Up for City Striker

Edin Dzeko

Juventus believe they can get Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko on the cheap if they lose out to the Premier League champions in the race to sign Arsenal captain Robin Van Persie.

Following van Persie’s declaration that he does not intend to extend his contract at Arsenal, both Manchester City and Juventus have been heavily linked with a move for the Dutchman, but the forward’s future is still undecided.

Mancini criticised senior figures at his club last week for their failure to tie up a deal for van Persie, and City are expected to strengthen their pursuit over the coming weeks.

Edin Dzeko may well be on his way out at the Etihad Stadium as Roberto Mancini doesn’t appear to see the Bosnian striker as anything more than a back up to the likes of Sergio Aguero and Mario Balotelli, therefore leading many to wonder the wisdom of spending £27m on the big forward.

That isn’t to say that the former Wolfsburg hasn’t been effective at the Premier League club. Having struggled in his first six months at Man City Dzeko found his feet last term, netting 19 goals in 43 appearances (of which 17 came from the bench).

Juventus could well do with some fresh attacking options, last term Antonio Conte’s side lacked a prolific marksman but still clinched the Serie A title without suffering a single defeat. However efforts to progress in the Champions League and defend their domestic title will be greatly assisted by the purchase of a new forward or two.

If indeed Arsenal goal machine Robin Van Persie does prove to be out of the Turin side’s reach then Dzeko may prove a more than able back up plan.