President wants €40m Chelsea, Arsenal target to sign for Italian Giants

Paulo Dybala
Paulo Dybala

Palermo’s Paulo Dybala is the hottest young prospect in the latest production line coming through the ranks of the Serie A this season. The 21 year old has enjoyed a stunning season having scored 13 goals and providing 10 assists in 31 appearances thus attracting envious glances from a host of European heavy-weights.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Juventus and Paris St Germain are all interested in the youngster who is believed to switch loyalties in the coming summer transfer window. The Mirror reported last week that Chelsea had bid £28.8m according to Dybala’s agent.

Though it meets the €40m price tag set by the outspoken Palermo President, Maurizio Zamparini is angling for more. As quoted by Football Italia, Zamparini recently said, “For the moment he is worth €40m, but with a few more performances of the standard he’s had recently and even €50m might not be enough.”

The Mirror also stated that French Champions Paris St Germain have come forward with an offer of about £32.4m. However Dybala’s agent Gustavo Mascardi also claims, “We’re now at the stage where the price cannot be lower than €50m [£36m]. Paulo is in no hurry and will take his decision calmly.

Arsenal too are in the market for a striker this summer but Gunners share-holder Alisher Usmanov denied reports that he is negotiating with Palermo for the young Argentine.

Zamparini however was quoted by Goal who cited Italian media outlet Radio CRC that he wants Dybala to sign for Napoli.

It’s true, Napoli have come in for Dybala. De Laurentiis spoke to me personally. They want to improve their team, even if they don’t get a place in the Champions League. He called me. I’ll meet him soon, but we have a mutual respect and a good friendship. Our relationship is special, and I hope he can take Dybala, because he’s the new Lionel Messi.”

There have been suggestions that manager Rafa Benitez could leave the Naples based side which could also see Gonzalo Higuain parting ways with the club. Thus Dybala would be an excellent signing for the Partenopei who have good relations with Palermo.

Earlier in 2010 Edinson Cavani had left Palermo to sign for Napoli. History could repeat this summer with Dybala following suit, with the player also stating that he prefers to stay in Italy.

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