West Ham’s pursuit of Edin Dzeko has taken yet another twist. This transfer story already looks like it will be West Ham’s saga of the summer.
The Italian media have now rebuffed reports that Dzeko will be paid more than £160k-per-week, stating that the real figures is about half of that.
According to The Express, West Ham are ready to offer Dzeko £165k-per-week, making him the club’s top earner, to convince him to join.
But Italian media outlet Leggo (via Sport Witness) instead claim that Dzeko will be paid just over £80k-per-week by West Ham in a deal worth €5m per year.
West Ham’s Edin Dzeko hurdle
The Bosnia-Herzegovina international is said to be ‘convinced’ by West Ham’s contract offer and is willing to move.
However, West Ham and Roma still need to reach an agreement on a transfer fee. The Serie A club are demanding €20m (over £17m) for the 33-year-old.
Given his age and lack of sell-on value, this would not represent good business for the Hammers, who will try to drive the price down.
Dzeko would reunite with Manuel Pellegrini; the pair previously won the Premier League title together at Manchester City.
Pellegrini wants a new striker and Dzeko fits the bill. His seven goals this season have taken his Roma tally to 85 across four seasons.
Dzeko seems convinced by a return to England but the Hammers still need to negotiate with Roma.
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