Manchester City: 5 Potential Replacements for Edin Dzeko

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Edin Dzeko has been linked with an exit from the Eastlands this summer transfer window. Reports have linked the Bosnian striker with moves to A.C. Milan, Juventus and Bayern Munich (h/t Daily Mail, ESPN Soccernet).

While stock for Dzeko seems to be high, Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has recently stated that he intends to keep both Dzeko and Tevez to begin the new season (per ESPN Soccernet).

However, since part of the fun of the transfer window is to speculate, here is a list of five potential replacements for Edin Dzeko if he indeed does leave Manchester.

Edinson Cavani

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Edinson Cavani's stock has never been so high. There is a long list of teams in the hunt for this Uruguayan striker, including English rivals Chelsea (via Daily Mail).

As reported by the Daily Mail, Manchester City has been long linked with this 25-year-old starlet.

Cavani has been a huge part of the breakthrough at Napoli. Over the past two seasons, Cavani has tallied 66 goals in 94 appearances.

Cavani is young with a huge upside and would be a definite boost to any clubs side. He has, however, told Goal.com he is happy in Naples and doesn't seem likely to move.

Radamel Falcao

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Another south American target, this Columbia international had a breakout season with Atletico Madrid, scoring 24 goals in 34 games.

The Sun reports Falcao is a likely candidate to replace Dzeko for the Blues.

This 26-year-old is viewed as a natural goal scorer and one of the best young talents in the world. He is known for having a good burst of pace and a powerful header. Falcao is also very competent with both feet.

Gonzalo Higuaín

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Gonzalo Higuaín is another big name that has been linked to the Eastlands in the past. Higuain has reportedly been offered in part for swap deals involving City strikers on two occasions, once for Edin Dzeko and a second time for his Argentinian teammate Sergio Aguero.

Higuain has proven himself capable in Spain, having scored 91 goals for Real Madrid. Higuain would provide a bit of height that would be missing if Dzeko were to depart. Higuain is known for his speed in the last third of the pitch and his great striking ability.

At 24, Higuain has his best years ahead of him, and is often underrated in world football.

John Guidetti

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Perhaps the most obvious answer to replace Dzeko would be with John Guidetti.

This young Swedish striker has both height and skill on the ball. The best part is, he is already under contract with City.

Guidetti had a breakout season on loan with Dutch side Feyenoord, scoring an outstanding 20 goals in 23 competitive matches.

Guidetti has made news recently as he has publicly stated his desire to play in Italy and receive first-team football.

This is a player that Manchester City should not lose. While he may not be able to fill the shoes of Dzeko this season, the 20-year-old looks set to be a promising part of Manchester City going forward.

Sometimes the best option is not to buy and invest in youth and this player fits that mold.

Robin van Persie

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Robin van Persie made waves when the 2011/2012 golden boot winner Arsenal declared that he would not be remaining at Arsenal following the end of his current contract.

The Telegraph reported Van Persie has been linked with City and Juventus. For this reason, City players like Dzeko, Tevez and Adebayor have been linked with exits from the Eastlands (Adebayor already finding a new home with Tottenham, per BBC).

Van Persie has had an injury-plagued career; however, his skill is world class and finishing is clinical. If healthy, RvP is one of footballs top talents.

It is likely that if Dzeko moves, it will be because of the addition of this Dutch striker to this already impressive City side.