Chelsea have bid £29million for Paulo Dybala according to his agent, although their pursuit of his signature may prove ultimately fruitless.
Jose Mourinho’s side are on the verge of winning a first Premier League title since 2010, which they could confirm as early as next week if they win their next two matches against Arsenal and Leicester City. Even if they were to drop points in either – or both – of these fixtures, their lead at the top of the table is such that they would still be expected to collect the crown in May.
Last year the Blues conducted their chief business as soon as the summer window had opened, most notably when they took Diego Costa from Atletico Madrid and Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona. And it looks as though this is a pattern they wish to continue this time round, with reports claiming they have identified Dybala for a move to Stamford Bridge ahead of the 2015/16 season.
The Argentine striker has made over 80 league appearances for Palermo since arriving in Italy from his homeland almost three years ago, but it is the current campaign in which he has really shot to fame. Dybala, formerly of Instituto, has scored 13 times in 30 Serie A matches, and also displayed his ability to create for his team-mates having also racked up 10 assists to his name.
Mourinho is believed to be willing to offer the 21-year-old the chance to showcase his talent in England, and the player’s agent claims an offer has already been received – although Paris Saint Germain have wasted no time in outbidding the Londoners. Gustavo Mascardi told Gazzetta dello Sport: “PSG have offered about £32.5million and Chelsea had already reached £29million.”
But both Chelsea and PSG could miss out on Dybala, who has also been linked with a move to Italian champions Juventus. The Bianconeri are on the verge of winning a fourth successive Scudetto but are keen to add to their existing striker options during the summer window, and they will be boosted by news that the Palermo ace would be happy to remain in Italy.
“I really like Italy. This is where I became famous and I would love to stay in Serie A,” Dybala told Gazzetta dello Sport. “It would be a dream to play in the UEFA Champions League. There are also some big teams out there that do not participate in the Champions League, though. But I cannot deny that I would like to play in Europe’s most important competition.”
Even if Chelsea mange to land Dybala this summer, would he even have a future at Stamford Bridge or would they simply loan him out and then cash in when he impresses?
