There is one forward in European football who Mauricio Pochettino really likes, but Chelsea are unlikely to sign him this month.
AS Roma star Paulo Dybala is being linked with a January move to Chelsea.
However, according to journalist Simon Phillips’ Substack, while Mauricio Pochettino is an admirer of the 30-year-old, the complete financial package to sign him is likely to be too expensive for the Blues.
Dybala has a €12m (£10m) release clause in his contract, as reported by Fabrizio Romano, which is very low.
However, things like wages and image rights also have to be taken into consideration.
Mauricio Pochettino an admirer of Paulo Dybala
Dybala is Pochettino’s compatriot and probably one of the best forwards in Europe on his day, so it is no surprise that the Chelsea boss likes him.
During his time at Juventus, the Argentina international scored over 100 goals. All in all, he could be a great signing for the Blues. Roma legend Francesco Totti hailed him as a “special” player in an interview with Sport Mediaset (via Football Italia) last year.
The fact that Dybala can play as a striker and behind one is useful and that versatility would have come in handy now.
Nicolas Jackson is currently away at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Christopher Nkunku has picked up another injury. He could have come into the side for either player.
Pochettino still has Armando Broja and Cole Palmer, so it is not the end of the world. Nevertheless, Pochettino would surely not have said no to Dybala’s goals and versatility.
Unfortunately for the former Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur manager, though, it looks like Dybala may cost too much money in total despite his low release clause.
You cannot rule anything out, especially with Chelsea. But it would not be a complete surprise if the Blues had to get to the end of January with just Broja and Nkunku if the Frenchman returns from injury before then.
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