Dzeko nears exit: how can Roma replace the Bosnian?

Roma limped to another draw yesterday evening as their putrid run of form continues as the Giallorossi, after a poor performance, were held to a 1-1 draw against Sampdoria at the Marassi. Despite being rumored to nearing the exit door of Rome, Edin Dzeko played the role of hero as he scored an equaliser at the death to help Roma save face and earn an undeserved point. The Giallorossi’s leading goalscorer, who has 10 league goals thus far this season, is reportedly very close to joining Antonio Conte at Chelsea and could potentially be leaving Roma after having joined the club in the summer of 2015.

Even though his form is far off the pace from his spectacular 2016/2017 campaign, the Bosnian is still a focal point and is at the heart of Eusebio Di Francesco’s attack, which could prove difficult to substitute. So how would Roma be able to potentially replace the former Manchester City man? Here could be potential solutions that could provide the Giallorossi with the proper cover should the Bosnian depart the club.

Patrik Schick

The most obvious choice to replace Dzeko is Roma’s most expensive player in their history, Patrik Schick. The former Sampdoria man has not featured much this season due to injury and he has yet to hit his stride. The Czech attacker has yet to score a league goal this season, however, he has been played out of position as he has been inexplicably deployed in the right wing role. Schick is a strong dribbler, however, with the presence of Dzeko, the only way for him to make it on to the pitch in Di Francesco’s 4-3-3 is by playing right wing. Schick shows glimpses of brilliance at various times but we have yet to see him given an opportunity in his natural role, which would undoubtedly help his performances. Should Dzeko leave, Schick would fit nicely in the striker role and could provide a different dynamic than the Bosnian given his bursts of quickness and his ability to play outside of the penalty area.

A new right winger

Roma have to be blunt with themselves: they they did a horrible job at attempting to replace Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian left a monstrous hole in this Roma side and they have yet to recover from his departure. Eusebio Di Francesco has deployed a variety of names in the right wing role, though, Stephan El Shaarawy is the only one to have even a moderate amount of success. It’s clear that the Giallorossi need a right winger who is left footed, has pace, and has the ability to bag goals, which is easier said than done. Monchi made it no secret that the club’s number one target in the summer was Riyad Mahrez, however, the Leceister City man now seems to be a distant dream as the Spanish sporting director must now look elsewhere. But for who? Several names have been linked to Roma during this January transfer market, but the most appealing one appears to be Atletico’s Yannick Carrasco. The Belgian international, who has the ability to play in either wing position due to his ambidexterity, appears to have the perfect profile for this Roma. Should Monchi be able to lure the former Monaco man to the Eternal City, Carrasco could be the one who is given a huge role and play a huge part in the latter stages of the season.