Inter are still confident of completing a deal to sign Edin Dzeko from Roma before the transfer window shuts, according to FcInterNews.it.

The Bosnian striker has given his word to the Nerazzurri and shows no sign of reneging on that promise, despite training and playing professionally throughout preseason.

Neither Antonio Conte nor Inter’s management have considered alternative options to Dzeko because both are convinced he will arrive in the end.

The site reported this morning: “Despite the opposition coming from the capital, where it seems like Dzeko’s price tag is increasing every day, the Nerazzurri remain optimistic.

“Roma have the power to decide their striker’s future, but forcing him to stay when he doesn’t want to is a risky move. Dzeko’s desire to leave and the expiry of his contract next year are two factors which undoubtedly influence the clubs’ talks.”

The Giallorossi’s sporting director Gianluca Petrachi has never definitively ruled out a sale, but he has never given the green light to a departure either.

It seems he is trying to play for time in the hope Inter will ultimately raise their offer, but with each day that passes it is Roma who will have to accept the inevitable.

Inter are under less pressure to sign another forward following the arrival of Romelu Lukaku from Manchester United and are happy to wait until the end of the window.

Reports suggesting Beppe Marotta has abandoned his pursuit of Dzeko to chase up a swap deal between Mauro Icardi and Paulo Dybala are unfounded, not least because Dybala is more an opportunity than an explicit request from Conte.

Dzeko has already agreed a three-year deal worth €4.5 million annually and is eager to start his new adventure in Milan as soon as possible.

Marotta and Piero Ausilio are playing a waiting game for the moment because they are confident Petrachi and Roma will eventually be forced to give in.