Pastorello reveals why Chelsea’s deal for Roma ace collapsed

Agent Federico Pastorello has revealed that Roma striker Edin Dzeko’s attitude in talks with Chelsea suggested he was not that interested in a move to Stamford Bridge.

Pastorello was involved in the negotiations for Emerson Palmieri’s switch to the Blues, with Dzeko initially part of a double swoop by Chelsea on Roma. While Palmieri signed for the London club for an initial £18m, the move for the Bosnian striker collapsed.

Speaking to Tuttosport (via Calciomercato.com) about Dzeko, Pastorello said:

“He gave the impression several times that he did not really want Chelsea. Given the money at stake, it was not [just] a detail.”

After failing to land the Roma forward, the Blues then secured the signing of Olivier Giroud from Arsenal instead for £18m. The capture of the France international was greeted positively by manager Antonio Conte who said the 31 year old was exactly the type of striker he was looking for.

Dzeko meanwhile started Roma’s 1-0 win over Verona on Sunday. Despite scoring 13 goals in all competitions this season, he has scored just three times in his last 17 Serie A games, following a blistering start to the campaign where had scored seven goals in six league outings.