La Liga champions Atletico Madrid have reportedly joined Barcelona in the race to sign 28-year-old Argentine international Paulo Dybala.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Barcelona will have to fend off stiff competition from Atletico Madrid in the race to sign Paulo Dybala. The 28-year-old Argentine international is set to leave Juventus as a free agent in the summer transfer window.
Paulo Dybala has established himself as one of the most enterprising forwards in Europe since joining Juventus from Palermo in July 2015. While he has had his fair share of struggles, particularly under Andrea Pirlo last season, he has been a pivotal player for the Bianconeri more often than not.
The 28-year-old has made 274 appearances for Juventus, amassing 109 goals and 46 assists in the process. But the Argentine international’s stint with the Serie A giants could end in the summer transfer window when his contract runs out, with his situation capturing the attention of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
The Catalan giants hold a long-standing interest in signing Dybala, and they have been considering signing him on a Bosman move this year for months. Barcelona’s eagerness to sign Dybala could be stemming from Philippe Coutinho and Memphis Depay’s uncertain futures at Camp Nou.
While Coutinho has joined Aston Villa on loan this month and could be sold permanently in the summer, Depay has coincidentally been linked with Juventus, albeit over a January loan move. Dybala is thus a viable target for Barcelona, who face stiff competition from Atletico Madrid in the race to sign the 28-year-old.
Atletico Madrid could lose the services of Luis Suarez in the summer transfer window. The Uruguayan striker has interestingly been linked with former club Barcelona and will likely depart the Wanda Metropolitano as a free agent.
While Dybala will not be a like-for-like replacement for Suarez, Atletico Madrid might not need one, considering the presence of Matheus Cunha and the in-form Angel Correa in the squad. That Dybala will likely arrive on a free transfer further makes him an appealing target for both Atleti and Barcelona. It will not be surprising to see more clubs join the race to sign the Argentine international soon.