Inter striker Edin Dzeko is close to penning a new contract with the club and the veteran has done enough to convince the Nerazzurri that he can be an important figure next season, despite recently turning 37.
As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Dzeko is on the verge of signing an extension to his deal at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza and there has been little doubt from either side that the Bosnia international and the Champions League finalists will continue their relationship.
The former AS Roma and Manchester City attacker will agree to a one-year deal, running until June 2024, and is set to reduce his wages from €6 million per season plus bonuses to €5m.
First-choice Dzeko set to stay
Dzeko had previously requested a two-year deal from Inter due to the level of interest in him, particularly from MLS clubs, but his impact in the Champions League in particular this season has convinced everyone that he can remain an important player at an elite level.
Indeed, the experienced striker fired Inter into an early lead in their hotly anticipated Champions League semi-final first-leg clash against AC Milan, with the Nerazzurri earning a place in the final in the return leg, and has been coach Simone Inzaghi‘s preferred option alongside Lautaro Martinez for crucial matches recently.
Despite Romelu Lukaku returning to form and fitness, Dzeko remains ahead of the Belgian in the pecking order and is considered a reliable and shrewd striker, with his experience proving pivotal for Inter this term.
It was expected that Dzeko would extend his contract earlier in the season, with his existing deal due to expire in the summer, but a turbulent campaign for the club has delayed matters.
With a place in the Champions League final secured, and a top-four place looking almost assured following a recent spell of good form, the Nerazzurri are in a better position to plan for next season, and Dzeko is expected to be part of this.
The player, meanwhile, appears to have been in no rush to sign his new contract and is reported to have been content with the situation, although an announcement is expected before the end of the season.
Glittering career has room for more trophies
Having won the Bundesliga with Wolfsburg and the Premier League with Manchester City, Dzeko arrived at Roma in 2015 and overcame a difficult first campaign to write himself into the Lupi’s history books.
A stunning 39-goal season in 2016-17 was the Bosnian’s best as he eventually went on to become the third-highest scorer in Roma’s history before he moved to Inter in 2021.
Dzeko has made a considerable impact in Milan, firing the Nerazzurri to the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana, whilst Inter could go on to lift the Coppa Italia again and Champions League this season.
