Cristiano Ronaldo has already dealt Arsenal a worrying blow in the race to sign Paulo Dybala ahead of the upcoming transfer window. The 28-year-old, who once shared the stage at Juventus with the Manchester United striker, announced his decision to part ways with the Italian giants via a heartfelt message on Twitter this week.
Before Christmas, Dybala had previously agreed a five-year extension with the Old Lady worth £6.8million-per-year, according to 90Min. Though months later, Juventus reportedly moved the goalposts and offered the forward a revised contract to which he rebuffed.
The Gunners have since been heavily linked with the Argentina international, whose impressive displays in Serie A has made him one of Europe's most coveted players. He, who's relished a vice-captaincy role at the club, has featured 291 times for Juventus, directly contributing towards 163 goals - he's also won five Serie A titles, four Coppa Italia and three Supercoppa Italiana.
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Back in March, it was reported by Italian news outlet Tuttomercatoweb that the north London outfit had opened talks with the Dybala's representatives. The view was to bring the forward to the Emirates Stadium on a free transfer once his contract at Juventus expired.
And, more recently, Football Italia have claimed that Dybala's agent, Jorge Antun, has been in London to discuss a potential move with interested Premier League clubs, including Arsenal. However, while the Gunners seem well positioned to swoop in and secure the Argentine's services, Ronaldo has already had his say.
Three years ago, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner told Dybala, of whom was Ronaldo's teammate at the time, that he 'must move to Old Trafford to become a champion', according to the MailOnline. The Arsenal target was seeking a move away from Turin in the summer of 2019, and the Portuguese international steered Dybala in the direction of Old Trafford.
The report claims that the forward was ready to accept the Red Devils' offer, though a deal failed to materialise. Should Ronaldo's advice linger in Dybala's mind, Arsenal could face an up-hill battle this summer.
