Barcelona in for Juventus Striker Dybala
The winter transfer window may have only shut a month ago, but already summer rumours are rife with numerous players linked to clubs all over the globe.
A lot of the stories can be taken with a pinch of salt but one story that is gathering pace is the news that both Barcelona AND Real Madrid are keen to duke it out for the summer signature of Juventus striker Paulo Dybala.
The 23-year-old Argentine has been a revelation since joining the Old Lady from Palermo in 2015 with 12 goals in his 27 outings for Juventus this season.
Whilst many football predictions fall by the way side, rumour has it that current Barcelona attacker Neymar Jr could be the lynch pin in a summer transfer roundabout.
The reason being, is that reportedly, Dybala has stated that he would rather sign for Barcelona’s biggest rivals Real Madrid largely because of the talent of Messi, Neymar and Suarez at the Camp Nou.
Apparently, Dybala sees more opportunity to play regularly with star man Cristiano Rolando’s powers on the wane at Real Madrid as he does not want to play in the shadow of Messi, Suarez and Neymar JR.
However, if one of Barcelona’s power three were to leave in the summer, all of a sudden, a move to the Catalan club for Dybala would become a lot more appealing as he would naturally slot straight into the side.
According to the Express newspaper, Manchester United have reportedly set aside £200m to persuade the Brazilian superstar to join the Old Trafford ranks as Barcelona view Dybala as a long-term partner for Suarez in the Barce attack. Big signings would change the Premier League odds of Manchester United to win the title next season.
However, with Barcelona head coach Luis Enrique’s future up in the air, they will have to make a decision quickly as to whether to commit to the move with Real Madrid waiting in the wings.
Dybala is reportedly not the only summer target for Barcelona, with Paris St Germain midfielder Marco Verratti AND Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin on the radar.
It was reported that Verratti held a secret meeting with the Barcelona hierarchy last month and despite the signing of Andre Gomes from Valencia, Verratti is still viewed as a key acquisition.
Despite having the second tightest defence in the league after conceding only twenty times in twenty-four league outings (Villarreal have only conceded 18 times) this season, defence is still seen as an area of weakness for Enrique’s men (Just ask PSG after thumping them 4-0 in the Champions League).
After failing to find a replacement for Dani Alves, Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin is seen as the perfect signing.
Bellerin may well enjoying being a regular for the Gunners in the Premier League this season but do not forget that the 21-year-old Spaniard was born and raised in the city of Barcelona and was a product of the youth academy.
After having proved himself with Arsenal, a move back to where it all began for him may be too tempting and although Arsene Wenger will be reluctant to let him leave, he may end up having little say in the matter.