Why Chelsea should end pursuit of Paulo Dybala despite BARGAIN release clause

Cameron Smith

• 9 Jan 2024 09:52 CST
• 5 min read

Chelsea have reportedly reignited their pursuit of AS Roma forward Paulo Dybala following their failure to land the Argentine during the summer transfer window.

Dybala, 30, was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge last summer, but a transfer didn’t materialise as the Blues targeted players of a younger generation.

However, several Chelsea stars were desperate for Dybala to join the club six months ago - namely Enzo Fernandez and Thiago Silva.

The former even told Argentine publication Ole: “Yes, I saw something about that. We’ll see. I hope he comes. I talked to him and told him that I’m waiting for him to share a barbecue or something. I need someone to share the mates (a South American drink).”

In addition, Brazil legend Thiago Silva spoke about Dybala during the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. While in attendance at the F1 race, Silva said (as per Football.London): “I saw Paulo Dybala here, they [the media] talk about him coming to Chelsea.

“I’ve talked with him and asked him if he is coming. He is a world-class player. I would love to play with him and it would be a massive signing. Let’s see.”

Now, Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb have reported that Chelsea are considering activating the €12 million release clause in Dybala’s Roma contract. However, they only have until 15 January to secure a deal as the release clause is only valid until that date, according to Fabrizio Romano.

That figure is below Dybala’s Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €14.9 million and it’s evident the Argentina star is still one of the most dangerous attackers in world football.

He has five goals and six assists in only 13 Serie A appearances so far this season and has been Jose Mourinho’s go-to man since his move from Juventus to Roma. However, Dybala doesn’t solve any existing problems at Chelsea and a pursuit makes little sense as a result.

Why Chelsea don’t need to sign Paulo Dybala

Chelsea’s recent transfer policy of almost exclusively signing players under the age of 25 hasn’t worked in the short-term, but there are signs that the youthful squad is beginning to find its feet.

Moises Caicedo has been quietly underrated over the past few weeks, while Cole Palmer has dazzled since his summer move from Manchester City.

That deal wasn’t particularly heralded upon its completion, but it’s clear that signing Palmer for €47m was a masterstroke from the Chelsea hierarchy.

However, the England international has begun playing in a No.10 role recently, with either Raheem Sterling or Noni Madueke stationed on the right wing.

Furthermore, Christopher Nkunku’s specialist position is also behind a lone striker, and Carney Chukweumeka was deployed in that role at the beginning of the 2023-24 season before his injury.

As a result, Dybala would face serious competition for a spot in Chelsea’s starting XI from three players, and that doesn’t include Conor Gallagher, who has regularly been used in an advanced midfield role by Mauricio Pochettino.

Nkunku has suffered another injury and Chukwuemeka remains on the sidelines, but Chelsea are well-stocked in the attacking midfield department and there are more pressing needs for their first-team squad - notably a centre-forward, a left-back with no injury history and perhaps a new goalkeeper.

In addition, data analytics experts SciSports believe that Dybala would be unsuited for Chelsea. According to their Career Advice tool, staying at Roma is the Argentine’s best option, followed by a move to Aston Villa or Liverpool.

Chelsea, on the other hand, rank as Dybala’s 17th best transfer option, below the likes of Fulham and OGC Nice.

€12m does seem like a bargain fee for someone of Dybala’s calibre, but his wages would add an additional expense and Chelsea simply don’t need to add another attacking midfielder to their first-team roster.