Paulo Dybala of AS Roma has been strongly linked to Chelsea this month, and Fabrizio Romano has now given a fresh update on the matter.
Chelsea considering a move for Dybala
This month, the Blues, Todd Boehly, and Mauricio Pochettino have been linked to several forwards and are looking for a new striker.
According to recent reports, Stamford Bridge staff members, along with rivals from the Premier League, Aston Villa and Newcastle, have communicated with the attacker’s agent in anticipation of a potential transfer. According to rumors originating from Italy, “his €13 million (£11.1 million) release clause for foreign clubs expires on January 15th, which means that times are tense at AS Roma.”
Therefore, Chelsea needs to move quickly to secure a potential steal for the Argentina international. However, it appears that there may be a twist in the transfer, as Romano has revealed what he knows about Dybala’s immediate future.
Fabrizio Romano updates us on Dybala’s transfer.
In an interview with CaughtOffside for his Thursday Daily Briefing, Romano stated that, in spite of Chelsea’s rumors, he believes Dybala, whom he described as “top quality,” will remain at Roma past the deadline for his release clause and that “nothing happening as of now.”
“As things stand, I see Dybala staying at Roma despite rumors about Chelsea.” His release clause expires in four days, and as of right now, nothing is happening. I have no updates. Thus, it appears challenging and improbable. In my opinion, Chelsea would benefit more from a striker than from a superior all-around offensive player like Dybala.”
The 30-year-old is still available to Chelsea at a reduced price, but Romano suggests that the Blues would be better served by focusing more on a number nine rather than a versatile attacker like Dybala. While Victor Osimhen might be a better, albeit more expensive, option, the Roma player would offer Pochettino plenty of versatility as he can play as a second striker, center-forward, winger, or attacking midfielder.
The £100 million striker from Napoli is reportedly amenable to a transfer to Stamford Bridge, and he and his group have held “positive” discussions with Behdad Eghbali, the co-owner of the Blues.
Osimhen is an all-around striker who had a career-best season in front of goal last year. Although costing over £90 million more than Dybala, Chelsea may end up getting better value for their money in the long run with the 25-year-old Nigerian international.
Dybala’s short-term contract may still be something to watch, but based on Romano’s most recent claim, it appears that nothing is in the works at this time, which has left Chelsea remarkably quiet during the transfer window.
