Out-of-sorts Juventus forward Paulo Dybala has made up his mind on where he wants to play next season amid contractual uncertainty in Turin. The Argentina international’s deal at the Allianz Stadium is due to expire in summer 2022, with no sign of a breakthrough in extension talks on the horizon.
Dybala has endured another injury-puzzled season, having racked up just 16 Serie A appearances under Andrea Pirlo so far. Though he had a fair share of playing time towards the final stretch of 2020, the 27-year-old has failed to stay fit since the calendar flipped to 2021.
Indeed, the former Palermo starlet picked up a nasty knee injury back in January and has managed to recover only last month. However, since scoring against Napoli in his first league match since returning from injury, Dybala has struggled for impact in Serie A.
The forward’s continuing physical issues coupled with a lack of form put Juventus in an awkward position heading into the summer transfer window. The Bianconeri are facing a dilemma on whether to tie their injury-prone start to a new deal or cash in on his services at the end of the season.
Juventus supremo Andrea Agnelli has already pitched Dybala’s agent with an extension proposal. But it is understood that the left-footed attacker is seeking better terms, which threatens to compromise an agreement.
Over a couple of previous transfer windows, Dybala emerged as a concrete target for several Premier League sides, including Manchester United and Tottenham. And while the Red Devils opted against making a move for the Argentine, the London outfit launched an offer in the final stage of the last transfer window.
Though the stage seemed set for Dybala to move abroad, the deal collapsed at the 11th hour due to the player’s excessive wage demands. Tottenham’s interest in the ex-Instituto youth academy graduate has faded since the last summer, but United are reportedly plotting a summer bid that may include some counterparts.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s pursuit of Dybala has just dealt a massive blow, as the player appears to be eager to extend his stay in Turin. Regardless of his Serie A wobble this season, he is willing to pledge his long-term future to the red-black shirt (via Calciomercato).
Now it is up to Agnelli to decide whether Dybala deserves the salary he requires to put pen to paper on a new contract.