How Arsenal could line up with Dybala

Martin Macdonald

• 16 Apr 2022 12:07 BST
• 3 min read

Paulo Dybala will leave Juventus as a free agent at the end of the current season, with a number of clubs lining up to sign the Argentine.

Juventus and Dybala had agreed a new contract worth around €10 million a year towards the end of 2021 but pen was never put to paper officially.

The Bianconeri then attempted to change the terms as they were concerned by Dybala’s constant injury problems – he has suffered his six physical problems in 2021-22.

Eventually, after weeks of delayed talks, Juventus decided not to renew Dybala's contract.

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“The most important change is that Juventus have not renewed Paulo Dybala’s contract,” Juventus CEO Maurizio Arrivabene confirmed in the middle of March.

“With the purchases made in January, with the arrival of Dusan Vlahovic, Paulo’s position was no longer at the centre of the project. That’s why this kind of decision was preferred.

“The parameters were different, I had already spoken about it, no one has ever questioned Paulo’s ability. There were considerations to be made about appearances, length and financial considerations.

“We made our choices in January, we got here. It would have been easy for Juventus to make a low bid, but it would have been disrespectful towards Paulo. The decision is made. Today’s meeting was friendly, clear and respectful.”

Arsenal XI with Dybala

According to Tuttosport, Dybala currently has three options - Arsenal, Atletico Madrid and Inter.

Mikel Arteta will be desperate for attacking reinforcements this summer after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left in January, and with Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah likely to depart in June.

Arsenal will likely be very active in the transfer market, but from the players currently at the club, this is how they could line up.

Aaron Ramsdale is the undisputed number one, while the back four of Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White, Gabriel and Kieran Tierney now picks itself.

In midfield, Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey are currently first choice.

Should Lacazette leave, then we could see Gabriel Martinelli move up top.

That would allow Dybala to move to the right wing, with Bukayo Saka on the left and Martin Odegaard through the middle.

Emile Smith Rowe presents another option for those attacking midfield spots.