Chelsea are said to be interested in signing Roma star Paulo Dybala this summer. Mauricio Pochettino is looking to bolster his attacking options despite having signed Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal and Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig.
Dybala has a £10 million release clause that can be activated by foreign clubs this summer after enjoying a stellar campaign at Roma last term. The 29-year-old is no stranger to being linked with a move to the Premier League, with Tottenham reaching an agreement to sign him four years ago.
The Argentinian has a contract at the Stadio Olimpico until 2025, but the release clause in his deal has sparked speculation that he could leave Roma. Dybala featured 25 times for Jose Mourinho's side in Serie A last season, directly contributing towards 19 goals. Dybala's eye-catching displays helped the Italian giants reach the Europa League final, as well as beating Juventus to a top-six spot.
So, with that being said, football.london has collated the latest headlines as Chelsea explore a potential move for the Argentinian star.
Enzo Fernandez plea
Dybala's Argentina team-mate, Enzo Fernandez, has revealed that he hopes the 29-year-old joins him at Stamford Bridge this summer. Asked about the speculation linking Dybala with Chelsea, Fernandez told Argentine outlet Ole: "Yes, I saw something about that.
"We’ll see. I hope he comes. I talked to him and told him that I’m waiting for him to share a barbecue or something. I need someone to share the maté's."
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Paulo Dybala stance
Dybala was asked about his future upon touching down in Rome earlier this week after spending his weekend at Silverstone for the Formula 1 British Grand Prix. As he made his way past the airport exit following a flight from London, Dybala was interviewed by Italian outlet LAROMA24.
“I’m motivated for preseason which we’re starting tomorrow (Monday),” he said. “My future? I’m happy at Roma. I’m staying here,” he added, dismissing questions about Chelsea’s interest in him.
Paulo Dybala question
With Paulo Dybala part of the spotlight at the British Grand Prix, the forward was asked by a supporter whether he was going to make a switch to Chelsea in the summer. As expected, the forward remained coy, simply smiling and moving on without answering the question.
Thiago Silva claim
Chelsea star Thiago Silva was in attendance at Silverstone for the British Grand Prix at the weekend, where he was asked about a potential move for Paulo Dybala this summer, He replied: "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."
Mourinho admission
Dybala is understood to have a release clause for foreign clubs to sign him. That clause is understood to be at €12m (£10.3m), which would be a bargain for Chelsea to get a deal done.
Roma boss Jose Mourinho was asked about the Dybala release clause on Saturday. His response was as you might expect.
Mourinho said: "I don’t know anything about his contract. But obviously I talk to Paulo like I do with all of my players."
Trip to England
Dybala fuelled suggestions he could be in the process of sealing a move to Chelsea after being spotted at Silverstone. The forward posed for a picture with Max Verstappen after the Red Bull driver finished on pole in qualifying ahead of the British Grand Prix.
It seems that Dybala has been keen to take in the sights, having spent the previous day at Wimbledon, and led Blues fans on social media to ponder whether the forward was also involved in transfer talks during his time in England.
New contract
According to Calciomercato, Dybala is willing to snub interest from the Premier League and pen a new deal at Roma. The report states that the Italian outfit are planning to significantly increase his base salary to €6m (£5.1m) per season, with €2m (£1.7m) in add-ons.
It's said that Roma would also like to remove his release clause, which is €12m (£10.3m) for foreign clubs and €20m (£17m) for Italian sides. Calciomercato add that the Giallorossi owner, Dan Friedkin, would be happy to offer Dybala an extension after shirts with his name and number on have already sold out.
Pochettino request
According to Italian journalist Matteo De Santis, as quoted by RomaPress, Chelsea are considering a move for Dybala, who has been specifically requested by Pochettino. Despite his mere 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.
Messi claim
In 2015, at the age of 21, Dybala was handed his first call-up to the senior national team after bursting onto the scene at Juventus. In an interview with Tuttosport, Lionel Messi was quizzed on the Roma star's rise to prominence.
"Paulo is a great player and he has a bright future ahead of him," said the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner. "I have no doubt about it that people will talk about him a lot over the next few years."
Pochettino reasoning
In 2018, ahead of the Champions League clash between Tottenham and Juventus, Pochettino put Dybala on the same pedestal as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar. As quoted by Football Italia, the former Spurs boss said: "He’s a great footballer and Juve is a different team when he’s on the pitch and when he’s not.
"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."
