According to reports, Paulo Dybala has become a target for Chelsea as Mauricio Pochettino tries to improve his frontline options even more. Following his strong performances for Roma, the 29-year-old forward has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge recently.
Dybala, whose deal at the Stadio Olimpico expires in 2025, played 25 times in Serie A for Jose Mourinho’s team last season and personally assisted 19 goals. The Italian powerhouses were able to defeat Juventus and advance to the Europa League final thanks to Dybala’s captivating performances.
Chelsea have been rumored to make a move for the Argentina international, who would give superb cover in attack, despite having already welcomed Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson to west London this summer. While Dybala can play in a wide-right position, Pochettino presumably has second-striker or No. 10 in mind for him because such roles suit him far better.
In light of this, football.london has compiled the most recent news stories as Chelsea considers a possible bid for the Argentine star.
Vacation in England
Dybala’s appearance at Silverstone fueled rumors that he would be finalizing a transfer to Chelsea. Prior to the British Grand Prix, the forward posed for a photo with Max Verstappen, who had won the pole position in qualifying for Red Bull.
After spending the day before at Wimbledon, it appears that Dybala has been eager to explore the sights. This has some Blues supporters on social media to wonder whether the forward was also engaged in transfer negotiations while in England.
New contract
Dybala is prepared to sign a new contract with Roma rather than accept attention from the Premier League, according Calciomercato. According to the rumour, his base wage will be dramatically increased by the Italian team to €6 million (£5.1 million) every season, with €2 million (£1.7 million) in add-ons.
Roma is rumoured to want to waive his release clause, which is worth €12,000,000 (£10.3,000,000) for foreign clubs and €20,000,000 (£17,000,000) for Italian teams. According to Calciomercato Dan Friedkin, the owner of the Giallorossi, would be willing to grant Dybala an extension as shirts with his name and number have already sold out.
Pochettino’s demand
Chelsea are reportedly mulling a move for Dybala, who has explicitly been sought by Pochettino, according to Italian journalist Matteo De Santis, who was quoted by RomaPress. Roma are reportedly unconcerned by the Blues’ interest and are convinced that they can keep him on board for the upcoming season despite his meagre release clause.
Messi asserts
After making a name for himself at Juventus at the age of 21, Dybala received his first call-up to the senior national squad in 2015. Lionel Messi was questioned about the rise to fame of the Roma player in an interview with Tuttosport.
Seven-time Ballon d’Or winner: “Paulo is a great player and he has a bright future ahead of him.” “I have no doubt that over the coming years, people will talk a lot about him.”
Pochettino’s logic
In 2018, Pochettino compared Dybala to Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Neymar in advance of the Champions League match between Tottenham and Juventus. He is a fantastic footballer, and Juve is a different squad when he is on the pitch than when he is off, according to the former Spurs manager, who was reported by Football Italia.
“Like Messi, Cristiano and Neymar, he has the ability to give the team lots of alternative options. It will be tougher for Juve [playing without Dybala].
“But they have many other players, like [Federico] Bernardeschi. We want to reach the same level as Juve with the same motivation as them.”