Dzeko: Roma's next Batistuta?

Much like the rest of Roma's 2015 summer transfer exploits, the pursuit of Edin Dzeko has been a long drawn-out affair. When the Capital club first registered their interest in the Bosnian forward early this summer, Manchester City demanded €30m. Sporting director Walter Sabatini initially balked at the figure touted to him, but such was his desire to land the former Wolfsburg man that he initiated negotiations in an attempt to lower the asking price.

The will of the player also played a part, and this week it was revealed the two clubs had finally agreed on a fee of €20m. A medical examination is taking place this morning, and and all being well, Dzeko will be a Roma player by the weekend.

Close friend and fellow Bosnian Miralem Pjanic is believed to have had a major hand in persuading Dzeko to take a substantial pay-cut to join him in Rome. The link up play and understanding between the pair could be decisive, especially if Pjanic operates in the hole in a 4-2-3-1 which could be an ideal system for Dzeko to thrive in.

This is a major statement signing by the Giallorossi which can't be understated. Dzeko brings a proven goal scoring pedigree to the Olimpico after his tremendous showings in the Bundesliga and the Premier League. The Bosnia international struck 85 goals in 142 games at Wolfsburg. His record breaking goal scoring partnership with Brazilian Grafite in 2008-09 brought a first league title in the club's history.

His time at Manchester City was also highly productive. 71 goals in 185 games, with many proving invaluable. Dzeko's 92nd minute equaliser against QPR on the final day of the season preceded Sergio Aguero's dramatic winner to lift the league title. Earlier in the season he made history by becoming the first City forward to ever score four goals in one game, in a virtuoso performance away to Tottenham.

With three league titles and multiple cup wins across Germany and England, Dzeko brings a winning mentality to a club desperately looking to overhaul Juventus and claim a first title since 2001.

Speaking of the last Scudetto win, this signing feels as if it could have a similar impact to the fabled capture of Gabriel Batistuta 15 years ago from Fiorentina. The legendary Argentine still holds a place in the heart of every Romanista who can recall his 20-goal haul that ended a title drought stretching back to 1983. The 20-goal barrier has only been broken three times by a Roma forward since then, twice by Francesco Totti and once by Vincenzo Montella.

Batistuta was the final piece in a Championship run to complement a talented squad which included players such as Totti, Montella, Emerson, Cafu, Aldair and Damiano Tommasi.

Today’s Roma are by no means instantly transformed into Scudetto challengers with the Dzeko signing, as there are still holes to fill at full-back. However it gives the club a proper prima punta - a number nine, out-and-out striker - not seen since the days of Batistuta. The Argentine was a proven finisher when he arrived, much as Dzeko is now. Only time will tell if this addition can invigorate the club as Batigol did 15 years ago.

This article originally appeared on the Football Italia website.