First Andy Carroll, then Peter Crouch, Chelsea have now set their sights on Roma forward, Edin Dzeko, as their search for a backup to Alvaro Morata continues.
Morata, 25, has struggled since the turn of the new year, failing to score in five matches.
The Premier League champions appear to be aiming higher and are considering a move for ex-Manchester City ace Dzeko, instead of the English pair, according to reports in Italy.
Dzeko, 31, has been in cracking form for Roma since his £10million arrival from the Etihad Stadium in 2015.
He has scored 14 goals for club and country this season, including two against Chelsea in the Champions League, and the Blues are keen on bringing a player of his proven ability to Stamford Bridge.
The Serie A side reportedly values their top striker at £57million.
Sky Italia report Chelsea are also interested in Roma’s 23-year-old Brazilian defender Emerson Palmieri, but that they value both players at a combined £44m.
However, Antonio Conte said to be willing to offer out-of-favour striker Michy Batshuayi on loan to help seal the deal.
Palmieri’s agent, Fernando Garcia, has recently revealed Chelsea and Roma are locked in discussions over a move for his client, telling Calciomercato: “Chelsea is a concrete possibility, absolutely.
“Now the two clubs are talking, we’ll see if they reach a positive conclusion.
“Obviously, Emerson would love to play in the Premier League and it’d be a dream to work with Conte, as he is among the best coaches in the world.”
