Antonio Conte is ready to raid his former club Juventus to beat reported admirers Liverpool and see Paulo Dybala join Tottenham Hotspur in a free transfer when his contract expires.
That’s according to Corriere della Sera, who report Dybala’s discussions with the Bianconeri over new terms remain at a standstill. The striker and his Serie A side struck an agreement to extend his contract in October. But budgetary issues have delayed the announcement.
Now, the drama could reach a dead end, as the ongoing delay disappoints Dybala’s camp. They had settled on a four-year extension worth €8m-a-year (£128k-a/w) plus €1.5m (£1m) in bonuses. Yet there is now a high chance that the Argentine instead walks away for free.
Dybala is currently still determined to stay in Turin past his current deal. But if Juventus do not make progress soon, rival clubs could advance and leave the Bianconeri with no return.
Inter Milan Chairman Giuseppe Marotta and Tottenham head coach Conte are two big fans of Dybala, who could spark his divorce from Juventus in a free summer transfer this year.
Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are also paying close attention to the 28-year-old’s situation as they wait for the Bianconeri’s decision. Juventus Chairman Maurizio Arrivabene intends to sit down with Dybala’s representatives in February to hold fresh talks over his future.
Conte to deny Liverpool with free Tottenham transfer for Juventus’ Dybala?
Dybala joined Juventus from Palermo in an initial €32m (£27m) transfer in 2015, a year after Tottenham boss Conte left. He has since registered 109 goals and 51 assists in 274 games for the Allianz Stadium natives across all competitions.
The 31-cap Argentina international has offered nine of his goals and five assists so far this season under Massimiliano Allegri. He has also captained the Bianconeri on 12 occasions.
Yet this term may be his last hurrah in Turin, with clubs in England, Italy and Spain keen on deals. Tottenham could face competition from Liverpool to seal Conte’s wish for Dybala’s free transfer from Juventus this summer, as well.
Reports by Calciomercato in early December noted the Reds are paying close attention to his contract discussions. They would also be firm bidders in any race if he leaves this June.
So, much will likely hinge for Tottenham and Liverpool’s transfer aspirations on the result of Dybala – who former Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge told Tuttosport is a ‘formidable talent’ – and Juventus chief Arrivabene’s contract meeting in February.
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