Chelsea, Barcelona or Man Utd? Ranking the most suitable clubs for Dybala next season

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 21 Mar 2022 14:06 GMT
• 5 min read

While we may still be a few months out from the end of the season, it now seems certain that Paulo Dyabala will leave Juventus when his contract comes to an end this summer.

First touted as a Lionel Messi replacement at Barcelona in the mid-2010s, he still remains at the Italian club in 2022, but injuries have hampered his progress in recent years.

However, following Juventus' purchase of Dusan Vlahovic and other circumstances, including his contract which expires this summer, he could well finally leave during the upcoming transfer window.

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According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, there is no agreement in place between the Argentina international and his club and he is now set to leave at the end of the season.

Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham are all reportedly in conversation with his representatives, while interest from Barcelona will always be bubbling away in the background.

But, which club would he actually suit?

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 21, 2022

6. Arsenal

Of those clubs interested in him, joining Arsenal would make the least sense for Dybala. The club may be on the rise with a whole host of young talent coming through, but their need is a central striker, and despite some misbelief, Dybala isn't that kind of player.

He likes to operate in the No.10 space, floating around with freedom. But, that's where Martin Odegaard and Emile Smith Rowe are stationed, and they have been excellent this season.

It would be an exciting move, but the circumstances don't align.

5. Manchester United

It's a similar situation at Manchester United - they need a striker, not a No.10. Cristiano Ronaldo is a shadow of his former self, which is to be expected given his age, so Man Utd need a refreshing new signing there, which Dybala isn't.

Bruno Fernandes is also excellent in the spaces Dybala works best in, so a move seems out of the question. The only possible scenario is if Dybala could play as a second striker or wide No.10 in a 4-2-2-2, which Man Utd have used on multiple occasions under Rangnick.

4. Tottenham

Now this could work. Dybala could work well off the right in a 3-4-3, playing close to Harry Kane. Their partnership could be exciting, and he has the talent needed to lift some of the weight off Kane's shoulders.

The only problem will be if Antonio Conte or Kane leaves this summer, which could happen.

The other question will be if Dybala is willing to lose Champions League football, which Spurs don't look likely to achieve.

3. Chelsea

Chelsea are clearly keen on upgrading their forward line. Ousmane Dembele has been rumoured, and now so too has Dybala; something isn't right.

Romelu Lukaku isn't firing, and neither are many of the other attackers. Dybala would solve some of that issue, but it will depend on outgoings as well.

Like with Conte's system, Dybala would fit in a Tuchel team, but competition for places may rule a deal out. He could work as a false nine, but Kai Havertz has undoubtedly made that his own in the past few months.

2. Barcelona

Could we finally see Dybala in a Barcelona shirt? It's been touted for so long that it seems inconceivable, but he'd work under Xavi and it could be an attractive proposition.

The problem would be with how many attackers they've signed recently. Dybala would be better than them all, but like with Chelsea - outgoings will determine any potential move.

But, it would be an exciting transfer.

1. Manchester City

The best fit would actually be to the best team on this list - Manchester City. If the Citizens aren't able to secure Kane or Erling Haaland this summer, Dybala would be perfect for Pep Guardiola.

He would be the ideal false nine for their system, dropping deep to allow runners beyond him; it's the perfect match.

He'd join arguably the best team in the world, play with the best players, and be a key part of the squad - what's not to love!