Chelsea move for bargain World Cup winner to grant Pochettino's wish

Tom Weber

Updated: 17 Apr 2024 16:40 BST
4 min read

Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Chelsea have made contact with Paulo Dybala, according to a report.

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The AS Roma star is enjoying a spectacular season and appears to be getting better with age. Leaving Juventus for the capital in 2022 has helped Dybala revive his career, but it is doubtful whether Daniele de Rossi's side will be able to keep hold of him.

Speculation surrounding Dybala was rampant in the previous two transfer windows and the Argentine's future is once again the subject of intense debate. This is due to the fact that the World Cup winner has a release clause worth a measly €12 million for non-Italian clubs.

It is unclear whether Dybala is looking to leave Rome, but it is evident that he will have several potential destinations to choose from this summer. Roma legend Francesco Totti believes that it wouldn't be the end of the world for the club to lose Dybala and it seems that there is a decent chance he will depart.

Cash-strapped Barcelona have been linked with the Argentine recently, as have Chelsea, and it seems that both are taking concrete steps towards potentially recruiting him.

© IMAGO - Paulo Dybala and Chelsea loanee Romelu Lukaku

Chelsea, Barca make contact

At least that's according to Rudy Galetti, who claims that both clubs have approached Dybala's camp to get information on his availability and the exact details of his release clause.

Galetti claims that these two heavyweights have "collected some preliminary info" on the attacker, but that there are also teams clubs looking at him. Dybala's Roma contract expires in 2025, meaning that the Giallorossi will have to make a decision this summer: sell him or offer him a new deal.

Current ETV

Paulo Dybala

AM (CR), F (R)

AS Roma

Paulo Dybala

AM (CR), F (R)

AS Roma

ETV Range

€13.5M - €22.6M

Galetti did not provide information on whether Chelsea and Barcelona will proceed with their pursuit of Dybala, but it is clear that they view him as a potential opportunity to make a shrewd move. The Blues' interest certainly makes sense.

Mauricio Pochettino is a long-time admirer of his compatriot and tried to sign him for previous sides and the Chelsea boss did recently urge the club hierarchy to bring in more experience. 30-year-old Dybala with 14 goals to his name this season could be a brilliant short-to-medium-term signing for €12m.