Jose Mourinho has been speaking about Paulo Dybala – a player who Mauricio Pochettino reportedly wants at Chelsea.
The 60-year-old made the comments when speaking to Corriere dello Sport.
So, what did Jose Mourinho say about Chelsea target Paulo Dybala? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, the Argentina international was shortlisted by Pochettino after Chelsea lost Mason Mount and Kai Havertz – according to Mundo Deportivo.
Dybala was all the more attractive to Chelsea as he had a release clause worth just €12m (£10m) written into his contract at Roma.
Now – however – that clause is gone, according to Mourinho.
The Portuguese tactician said: “Paulo Dybala’s release clause expired on August 1st… so I can finally sleep well and more relaxed.”
In 38 appearances last season, the 29-year-old impressively scored 18 goals, while also providing eight assists.
Enzo Fernandez even went public with his desire to see Dybala at Chelsea, telling Diario Ole: “I read something about (Paulo Dybala coming to Chelsea). We will see. I really hope it can happen. I talked to him and told him I’m waiting for him to share a barbecue or something.”
Chelsea missed a trick with Dybala
In our view, Chelsea should have triggered Dybala’s £10m release clause while it was still active.
Players who can both score goals as well as create them are rarities in football, and the South American excels in both departments.
At the age of 29, Dybala also would have injected some much-needed experience into Chelsea’s squad.
As things stand, Pochettino’s side is very young, with only a handful of players, including Thiago Silva and Raheem Sterling, able to call themselves senior figures at Stamford Bridge.
Dybala’s connection with his fellow countryman Pochettino may have also helped him settle quickly in west London.
Nevertheless, this option is now off the table for Chelsea, so it remains to be seen who the Blues sign next.
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