Chelsea Eye Shock Move for Roma Star Paulo Dybala as Mauricio Pochettino Eyes Compatriot
Chelsea could be set to make a shock move for Roma superstar Paulo Dybala, with manager Mauricio Pochettino keen to trigger the Argentine’s release clause. The west London club have already bolstered their attacking options with the signings of Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal and Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig, and are now looking to bring in a new defensive midfielder.
Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport are reporting that Chelsea could make a swoop for Dybala once these tasks have been dealt with. The 29-year-old would bring additional firepower to the Blues attack, who only averaged a goal a game in a disappointing campaign last season, and have already sold top scorer Kai Havertz to Arsenal in a £65million deal.
Pochettino is a long-time admirer of his compatriot, and Chelsea have ‘asked for more information’ as they weigh up triggering the release clause. Dybala’s contract with Roma means clubs outside of Serie A can sign him for just €12m (£10m). Manchester United, Tottenham and clubs from Saudi Arabia are also keeping tabs on the situation.
Pochettino’s History With Dybala
Pochettino has a long history with Dybala, having tried to sign him when he was manager of Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain. When Spurs played Juventus in the Champions League five years ago, Pochettino spoke highly of his countryman, saying: ‘Dybala is a great player. He’s Argentinean. Of course, the formation of Juventus is a little bit different when playing with Dybala and not playing with Dybala. He’s that type of player, like Messi, Neymar and Cristiano. They have the capacity to give to the team a different option.’
The Argentine wanted to sign his compatriot when he was Tottenham manager (Pictures: Getty)
Dybala’s Impressive Season at Roma
Dybala joined Roma on a free transfer last summer and enjoyed an excellent campaign with the club. He netted 12 times and laid on six assists in 26 Serie A appearances as well as netting five times en route to the Europa League final. He also helped his nation lift the World Cup.
Conclusion
Chelsea could be set to make a shock move for Roma star Paulo Dybala, with manager Mauricio Pochettino keen to trigger the Argentine’s release clause. The Blues have already asked for more information as they weigh up triggering the release clause, which would cost them just €12m (£10m). Pochettino has a long history with Dybala, having tried to sign him when he was manager of Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain. The 29-year-old enjoyed an excellent season with Roma last year, netting 12 times and laying on six assists in 26 Serie A appearances as well as netting five times en route to the Europa League final. With Chelsea looking to bolster their attacking options, Dybala could be the ideal accompaniment to bring additional firepower to their attack.