Next week could be decisive for the future of Paulo Dybala, who appears to be on the verge of swapping Juventus for Inter. According to Calciomercato, the Argentine forward will hold showdown talks with the Nerazzurri chiefs to finalise his long-awaited switch to Giuseppe Meazza next week.
Dybala will quit Juventus after a trophy-laden seven years in Turin when his contract expires later this month. Despite the club’s utmost efforts to tie him down to a new deal, La Joya was reluctant to commit his future to the Allianz Stadium.
Several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, were ken to lure Dybala away from Serie A. However, his future will be in Italy as Inter are ready to step up their pursuit and close the deal in the coming weeks.
Forced to work on a tight budget due to a well-documented financial turmoil, Inter have to focus on signing free agents. Dybala fits the profile, especially as Simone Inzaghi looks for a long-term partner for Lautaro Martinez up top.
Joaquin Correa has failed to impress since arriving from Lazio last summer. Edin Dzeko, who joined from Roma, enjoyed a much better maiden season at Meazza. But he’s already in the autumn of his playing career, forcing Inter to consider other options in the market.
Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sanchez could depart Lombardy to make room for Dybala’s arrival. Both players have been low in Inzaghi’s pecking order, with the former’s contract up in the summer anyway. Selling Sanchez could be a tricky part, though.
The ex-Manchester United flop would command a hefty salary. But his underwhelming showings over the past few years have done nothing to attract high-profile suitors. Therefore, Inter CEO Beppe Marotta may have to sacrifice another substantial salary to free up the wage bill for Dybala.
However, there’s a feeling that Dybala will be wearing the Nerazzurri shirt next term.