Thiago Silva has given Chelsea the green light to sign Paulo Dybala this summer. The 29-year-old forward has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge recently as Mauricio Pochettino hopes to further bolster his frontline options.
Dybala, 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 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 €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 drafted in Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson this summer, the west Londoners appear to still be in the market for greater firepower. While Dybala has struggled with injuries from time to time, Silva has branded the Argentine's potential arrival in west London as a 'massive signing'.
Speaking to Sky Sports during a visit to Sunday’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone, the veteran defender 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."
While Dybala has quickly become heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, Mourinho is unaware of a release clause which could see him lose his talisman this summer. 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."
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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 €6million (£5.1million) per season, with €2million (£1.7million) in add-ons.
It's said that Roma would also like to remove his release clause, which is €12milllion (£10.3million) for foreign clubs and €20million (£17million) 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.
