Transfer Talk: Barca and Chelsea to battle for Roma's Dybala
The summer transfer window won’t reopen in Europe for a while yet, but there are plenty of moves in the works and gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Barca, Blues looking at Dybala
Barcelona and Chelsea are among the European clubs who have collected preliminary information on Paulo Dybala and his release clause at AS Roma, according to Rudy Galetti.
The Argentina international has a contract that expires in 2025 and is still waiting to discuss a new deal with the Giallorossi. He initially joined them from Juventus in the summer of 2022, but it appears that the hold-up in discussions about a renewal has resulted in clubs looking into a possible move for the 30-year-old.
Dybala has had an impressive season for Roma, scoring 14 goals and providing the assist for another nine in 31 matches across all competitions, helping Daniele De Rossi’s to fifth in the Serie A table. That tally includes the assist for Gianluca Mancini‘s winner in the recent derby win against Lazio.
With Barcelona and Chelsea both having squads that include plenty of young talent, a player of Dybala’s experience — a World Cup winner and five Serie A titles — could prove useful. He will have further opportunities to impress in big matches, as Roma face AC Milan, Bologna, Napoli, Juventus and Atalanta in their next five games.
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PAPER GOSSIP
– Arsenal are looking at a transfer for Real Sociedad midfielder Martín Zubimendi, as reported by Florian Plettenberg, with the 25-year-old having a release clause worth around €60 million. The Spaniard is also on Bayern Munich’s list of options, but a Bavarian move was closely linked to the possibility of Xabi Alonso taking over, so their interest isn’t concrete at this stage.
– VfB Stuttgart winger Chris Führich has been the topic of plenty of interest and wants to join Bayern Munich during the summer, reports Sport Bild. Borussia Dortmund also want the 26-year-old but would struggle to meet his €23.5m release clause although, with Führich being a former player of theirs, they would receive €1m in sell-on fees if he joins Bayern.
– Calciomercato have offered an insight into the players that Juventus are looking at to strengthen on the wing after missing out on Felipe Anderson, who will join Palmeiras as a free agent when his Lazio contract ends. His Lazio teammate Mattia Zaccagni is the priority, but disgraced Manchester United loanee Mason Greenwood, Sevilla star Erik Lamela, former Arsenal player Nicolas Pépé and Lille flyer Edon Zhegrova are also being considered.
– Clubs from the Premier League, Bundesliga and Serie A have all tried to approach Barcelona defensive midfielder Marc Bernal about a possible move, reports Mundo Deportivo. The 16-year-old is yet to appear for Barca’s first team and has a €6m release clause but is reportedly only focused on succeeding with the Blaugrana.
– Eintracht Frankfurt have decided to activate the €16m clause to make Hugo Ekitike’s loan from Paris Saint-Germain permanent, says Florian Plettenberg. This comes despite the 21-year-old being yet to score for them, as the club is happy with the Frenchman’s attitude, and he wants to stay.
