‘Especially Chelsea’ – Pochettino driving Blues transfer pursuit, contact initiated

AS Roma star Paulo Dybala is being monitored by a few clubs from the Premier League, ‘especially Chelsea’.

That’s according to Corriere dello Sport, who say the Blues are now asking for ‘more and more information’ about signing the forward. It’s not made clear whether that contact is with Roma or the player’s camp.

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is an admirer of the 29-year-old, who managed 18 goals and eight assists last season.

Corriere point out Pochettino was left disappointed after he failed to sign the Argentina international for Tottenham Hotspur in 2019.

Pochettino is driving the west London club’s pursuit of Dybala and would jump on the opportunity to sign his compatriot in this window.

Chelsea, for their part, are ‘considering the deal’, because the player has a €12m release clause for clubs outside Italy. Tottenham and Manchester United are also said to be keen on him.

It’s said these clubs would have to contact Roma general manager Tiago Pinto for Dybala, who’s happy with his current employer. At the same time, he wants to be recognised after he reduced his salary to €6m per year including bonuses.

José Mourinho’s side would have to offer him an improved deal, which can also remove the clause.

For now, the two parties haven’t scheduled a meeting but Corriere warns it has to be done before Chelsea ‘decide to invest in the player’.