Yahoo News Chelsea close in on Edin Dzeko transfer with club ready to scrap contract policy to lure striker to Stamford Bridge
Chelsea are ready to abandon their contract policy for players over 30 to finalise the transfer of Edin Dzeko.
Standard Sport understands that Chelsea are prepared to offer the 31-year-old striker a two-and-a-half year contract to lure the forward to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea introduced a standard practice in recent seasons of only offering one-year extensions to players once they pass the age of 30.
Dzeko wasn't prepared to sign for the short-term and the Blues are so keen to add the Bosnia international to the squad, they are willing to give him a longer deal.
It could lead to issues should extensions be discussed with Pedro, David Luiz and Cesc Fabregas. They are all over 30 and have just one year left on their contracts.
As reported on Monday, Dzeko has asked for reassurances that he is not just going to be a fringe player at the club.
The former Manchester City star has since been told he will be given every opportunity to compete for a first team spot with Alvaro Morata.
Dzeko's current contract at Roma is worth £76,000-a-week and expires in 2020. But it is believed Chelsea are going to offer him the security of one extra year and a pay-rise up to £101,000-a-week.
However, a double deal for Dzeko and Palmieri is still in the balance because a fee for both players has yet to be agreed with Roma.
Roma want £44m plus £13.2m in add-ons for the pair, although any interest in taking Michy Batshuayi on loan as part of the transfer has cooled.
The move for the left wing back will go through regardless for a sum in the region of £20m, but Chelsea are determined to include Dzeko too.
Significantly, sources in Italy say that Dzeko's main representative Irfan Redzepagic is in London to conclude negotiations with Chelsea.
Trusted aide Silvano Martina, who helps Redzepagic with his Italian based players, spent yesterday afternoon talking with Dzeko at Roma's team hotel in Milan, where they are training ahead of a league match at Sampdoria tomorrow night.
Martina is believed to have been talking to Dzeko about Chelsea's offer and helping pave the way for a move to west London.
Dzeko, who has scored 61 goals in 117 appearances for the Serie A club, is happy at Roma, but the club need to raise funds to help comply with FFP rules.
While he will be cup-tied for the Champions League, Dzeko can play for Chelsea in the Carabao Cup, FA Cup and Premier League.
Emerson will be eligible for all four competitions and provide competition for left wing back Marcos Alonso, who is the only Chelsea player to start every League game this term.
Emerson's imminent arrival means Chelsea have given permission to Brazilian Kenedy to join Newcastle on loan. The 21-year-old travelled to the north east last night and should finalise terms later today.
As revealed last month, Chelsea agreed to give Newcastle first option to sign Kenedy on loan but would only let him leave if a left wing back was signed.
