As Premier League sides aim to strengthen their squads, it was said that Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle were all interested in Paulo Dybala.
The Argentina international – who has scored 144 career goals – was arguably the most intriguing opportunity on the market this summer, as he became a free agent after leaving Juventus.
Dybala proved his class last season with 15 goals in all competitions, but now, Mikel Arteta, Antonio Conte and Eddie Howe will all have to look elsewhere.
What’s the story?
Well, earlier today, Roma announced the signing of the 28-year-old on a three-year contract.
José Mourinho has managed to convince Dybala to take a step down into the Europa League, despite spending most of his career playing Champions League football – the South American has made 53 appearances in Europe’s greatest club competition.
Make no mistake about it, the signing of Dybala is a major coup for Roma, and signals the ambition of the Italian giants under Mourinho’s management.
It was said that Arsenal had shortlisted the Argentine, whereas Tottenham and Newcastle both sent contract offers to the “world class” attacker.
Erik ten Hag was also interested in bringing Dybala to Manchester United, with doubts over the future of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Now, however, the Premier League quartet must move on to other targets.
Arsenal, Tottenham & Newcastle have alternatives
Fortunately, Arteta, Conte and Howe haven’t put all of their eggs into one basket.
In Arsenal’s case, they are seriously interested in signing Lyon attacker Lucas Paqueta, who operates in a similar area to Dybala behind the striker.
However, Newcastle are also interested in the Brazilian, who watched his close friend Bruno Guimaraes leave Lyon for Tyneside in January – Paqueta is supposedly thinking about doing the same.
In Tottenham’s case, there is firm interest in Everton star Anthony Gordon, although it remains to be seen if he can be prised away from Goodison Park.
Make sure to keep an eye on the transfer window, as the Premier League trio would clearly like to sign another forward if possible.
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