Why Juventus and PSG may consider a Dybala-Icardi swap deal

James Shearman

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 2 min read

Juventus may have found their way of prising Mauro Icardi from Paris Saint-Germain, with the Serie A side set to use attacker Paulo Dybala as a bargaining chip in a swap deal.

Reports in Italy suggest that the two Argentine forwards could trade places as they seek better fortunes elsewhere.

Juventus have long held an interest in Icardi. Indeed, they attempted to sign him in the summer but PSG were unwilling to renege on a buy-out option they held in his contract. As such, he completed a permanent move to Paris from Inter for £45m (€50m).

Despite this, the Bianconeri have maintained their interest in the Argentine striker.

Director Fabio Paratici is keen to bring the former Sampdoria and Inter player back to the Serie A, a league in which he enjoyed huge success, scoring 121 goals in 193 games.

Icardi’s PSG struggles

PSG, meanwhile, could be tempted into a deal given Icardi’s poor form for the club. He has only scored two goals on the last nine occasions he has been on the teamsheet and has even been relegated to the role of substitute.

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There is a sense that when Icardi is not scoring goals, he offers little else. With such a feeble return of late, PSG’s thoughts are turning elsewhere.

Indeed, the red-hot form of Moise Kean, who has five goals and an assist in seven games, is in sharp contrast to his PSG club-mate.

It has been suggested that Icardi’s compatriot Paulo Dybala could be exchanged in order to strike a deal.

A contract renewal for the attacking midfielder is taking longer than expected, potentially paving the way for his exit from the club.

Financially impacted by the coronavirus crisis, this type of part-exchange may be the only way Juve can strike a bargain for a player such as Icardi currently.

Milan to disrupt Juve’s plans?

Meanwhile, they could face competition from Milan, who are seeking a long-term replacement for 39-year-old Zlatan Ibrahimović.

The Rossoneri have been tipped to offer a loan of around £8.8m (€10m), with an obligation to buy of £35m (€40m) plus variable bonuses.

From PSG’s perspective, this could offer them valuable funds to renew Neymar or Kylian Mbappe’s contract but would leave them short in attack without a replacement.