What’s the story?
Jose Mourinho has made Juventus superstar Paulo Dybala his no. 1 target for the summer, according to a report in British news outlet, Daily Star. The Argentine superstar is being chased by Barcelona as well, but Manchester United are hopeful that another world record bid (€110 million) offered to Juventus for the second consecutive summer ought to get the deal across the line, as Mourinho revamps his squad to mount a Premier League title challenge in 2016/17.
In case you didn’t know...
Paulo Dybala made his name in European football at Palermo, before Juventus parted with a sizeable €32 million to secure his signature at the start of the 2015/16 season. In two seasons for the Bianconeri, Dybala has scored 40 goals in 91 games, and the quality of his performances has seen top clubs vying for his signature. The Argentine moved to quell rumours last month, by signing a new contract that would keep him at Juventus until the end of the 2021/22 season.
Also Read: Paulo Dybala to reject Barcelona move because Lionel Messi will block his first team chances
The heart of the matter
Juventus are naturally reluctant to let Paulo Dybala leave, but the Bianconeri are concerned with the influx of Chinese money coming into Serie A and would appreciate another infusion of cash from the Red Devils to allow them to reinforce their aging squad.
According to the report, Jose Mourinho is desperate for creative, lethal striker at the top end of the pitch and had identified Antoine Griezmann initially, but the Red Devils have been rejected by the Frenchman, who has preferred to stay with Atletico Madrid.
Also Read: Paulo Dybala can prove he's the next Argentinian superstar
Instead, Manchester United have now turned their eyes to Dybala, with Mourinho hoping to buy the next ‘Ballon d’Or’ winner to ensure Manchester United mount a challenge for the Premier League next season. The report also goes on to claim that the Red Devils have all but wrapped up the signing of James Rodriguez for €75 million, which should take their outlay for the superstar duo to €185 million.
What next?
If Manchester United’s protracted chase of Paul Pogba last summer is any indication, their pursuit of Paulo Dybala should be long and torturous too, as Juventus hold on for another world record fee.
Author’s Take
Dybala has already voiced his intention to stay with Juventus – but money talks in football. The Bianconeri would find it tough to reject a mind-boggling fee, which will always remain Manchester United’s strength in the transfer market. The Argentine is pretty much a finished product that could elevate the Red Devils back to the top echelons of Champions League.
