Juventus forward Paulo Dybala is set to leave the club as a free agent this summer, but will only join a team in the Champions League next season, according to reports. It comes as the 28-year-old was unable to agree a new deal with the Bianconeri, putting an end to a seven-year stint at the club.
The Argentina international isn’t set to be short of suitors either, with North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham among those named in their interest. Both clubs have huge summers ahead of them in their vision to challenge at the top once again.
For the Gunners, they have missed a consistent goal threat up front all season and with Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah set to be free agents, a forward will likely be a priority. Discussing the need for a striker, Mikel Arteta said: “He puts the ball in the net – that’s priority number one. Goal threat. Any successful team needs enough goal threat in the squad. Without it, you have nothing.
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“You can play good football, but you need enough goal threat in the team. The other thing is that he has to complement the other people we have, personally and on the pitch. We need the right profile.”
As for Spurs, they have shown under Antonio Conte that they can battle their way into contention again, though the Italian has constantly underlined the need to be backed in the summer transfer window. When asked whether he has discussed such a transfer list with the hierarchy, the Italian said: “We're totally focused on this season.
“Also, because I repeat, we're finishing this season with only 15 players and at the moment it's not convenient to give them a list, because the list it would be very, very, very big! You understand? It's not a good moment to give them the list.”
Both clubs have been embroiled in a race for the final Champions League this season, which could decide the fate of another battle off of it, as the Sun reports that Dybala will only join a club in the Champions League next season. Arsenal and Tottenham have been linked, however, only one may be in a position to land the forward.
That advantage currently belongs to Spurs, who are two points clear of the Gunners with a better goal difference of 15. It means Conte’s men effectively need one point to confirm qualification, while all three would certainly do it.
Arteta needs to hope that Norwich can beat their rivals, while they look to secure a result of their own against Everton. If not, then they may have missed out on yet another transfer target, while their competitors continue to strengthen.
