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After Arsenal, Tottenham agent talks, £34m star decides his priority club

Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images
Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images
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ALLIANZ STADIUM, TURIN, ITALY - 2022/03/20: Paulo Dybala of Juventus FC looks dejected during the Serie A football match between Juventus FC and US Salernitana. Juventus FC won 2-0 over US Salernitana. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images

Paulo Dybala wants to join Atletico Madrid in a free transfer at the end of his contract with Juventus in June, despite Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur reportedly speaking to his agent.

That’s according to Calciomercato, who report the Argentine playmaker is keen to secure a switch to Spain. Diego Simeone is also eager for the Colchoneros to secure his services in a summer swoop, following the Bianconeri electing against extending the 28-year-old’s deal.

Dybala had expected the Old Lady to present fresh terms before his existing contract ends. He has been in Turin since 2015 after his €40m (£34m) move from Palermo, and is also the Serie A side’s vice-captain. But Duan Vlahovic’s form has paved the way for his departure.

TURIN, ITALY - MARCH 20: Paulo Dybala of Juventus FC controls the ball during the Serie A match between Juventus and US Salernitana at Allianz Stadium on March 20, 2022 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Sportinfoto/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Photo by Sportinfoto/DeFodi Images via Getty Images

A move to Spain is a firm option for Dybala with his services set to hit the market without a transfer fee. Rodrigo de Paul is even pushing Atletico Madrid to sign his compatriot, who is less likely to join Barcelona as Xavi Hernandez is not a great admirer and rejected any deal.

Inter Milan are also struggling to present the San Siro as a landing spot for the 32-cap star. The Nerazzurri are studying the conditions of a move, but his demands for a €10m-a-year (£163k-a/w) net contract, including bonuses, is too lucrative for the Serie A side to afford.

Paulo Dybala wants Atletico Madrid switch despite Arsenal, Tottenham agent talks

Atletico Madrid are yet to hold official negotiations with Dybala’s camp for a transfer from Juventus this summer. But the Wanda Metropolitano side have both his blessing as well as Simeone’s desire for a deal. So, they are edging to the front of the growing queue of clubs.

Paulo Dybala of Juventus FC  during the match between Juventus FC and US Salernitana 1919 on March 20, 2022 at Allianz Stadium in Turin, Italy. Juventus won 2-0 over Salernitana. (Photo by Massimiliano Ferraro/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Photo by Massimiliano Ferraro/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The race for Dybala’s free transfer from Juventus also includes north London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham, per Giacomo Iacobellis. The TuttoMercatoWEB reporter notes both sides, plus Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico and Barcelona, have spoken with the maestro’s agent.  

Additionally, Corriere dello Sport had cited Spurs and Barcelona as the frontrunners for his signature earlier this month. But with Xavi’s rejection, plus Simeone and Dybala’s wish, the Premier League club are likely now behind Atletico Madrid in any summer transfer tussle.