Paulo Dybala has responded to speculation linking him with a move to Chelsea this summer. The 29-year-old forward has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge recently, with Mauricio Pochettino eager to further bolster his attacking options.
He, who sees his contract at the Stadio Olimpico expire in 2025, featured 25 times for Roma in the Serie A last season, directly contributing towards 19 goals. The Argentina international's impressive performances helped Jose Mourinho's side reach the Europa League final and beat Juventus to a top-six spot.
According to reports from Italy, Chelsea are considering a move for Dybala, who has been specifically requested by Pochettino. Despite his mere €12million (£10.3million) release clause, the report states that Roma aren't concerned by the Blues' interest and they're confident that they can keep him on board for next term.
Despite having already signed Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson this summer, the west Londoners appear to still be in the market for more firepower. Like Dybala, Thiago Silva was at Silverstone over the weekend to watch the British Grand Prix and, during his visit, the veteran defender was the Argentine's potential arrival.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Silva heaped the Roma star with tremendous praise and branded him as a 'world class player'. He said: "I saw Paulo Dybala here, they talk about him at Chelsea. I hope he arrives. I’ve talked with him and asked him if he is coming. He is a world class player.
"Normally we speak in Spanish or Portuguese. I asked him if he wanted to come to Chelsea, but he didn't want to answer. He is a champion. If he were to come, he would give a great hand."
No more than a couple of hours later, Dybala was confronted by a Blues fan at Silverstone and he was asked he if he'll be joining Chelsea this summer. Unsurprisingly, he remained tight-lipped and laughed off the encounter.
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After an appearance at the Grand Prix sparked speculation of a move to Stamford Bridge this summer, Dybala has insisted that his visit to the United Kingdom was for simply pleasure rather than business. Speaking to LAROMA24, as quoted by the Mirror, the Roma star said: "I’m motivated for pre-season, which we’re starting tomorrow [Monday]. My future? I’m happy at Roma. I’m staying here."
Mourinho has also denied any knowledge of timeline which sees Dybala leave the Italian giants. Speaking to reporters after arriving at Rome airport on Saturday, the former Chelsea and Tottenham manager said: "I don’t know anything about his contract. But obviously I talk to Paulo like I do with all of my players."
