Real Madrid’s top transfer target wants Barcelona move

NAPLES, ITALY - APRIL 05: Paulo Dybala of Juventus FC in action during the TIM Cup match between SSC Napoli and Juventus FC at Stadio San Paolo on April 5, 2017 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
NAPLES, ITALY - APRIL 05: Paulo Dybala of Juventus FC in action during the TIM Cup match between SSC Napoli and Juventus FC at Stadio San Paolo on April 5, 2017 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Paulo Dybala is ready to snub Real Madrid

Real Madrid have made no secret of their desire to sign Juventus forward Paulo Dybala this summer. Unfortunately for Zinedine Zidane and company, it’s clear that the Argentine striker would prefer to link up with his most famous countryman instead.

Reports from Spain claim that Dybala is working on a new contract with Juventus. That isn’t news. What is a surprise, is the revelation that Dybala is fighting to include a special Barcelona release clause in the deal. That bit of news will really disappoint officials at Real Madrid.

As I alluded to in the opening, it’s believed that Dybala’s preference to sign with Barcelona can be attributed to Lionel Messi. The diminutive footballing genius is an idol of sorts to his young countryman. Dybala may want to wait to see who Barcelona’s manager is in the long haul, but he’s clearly trying to make sure he has an option to move there when the time is right.

Interestingly enough, this news could have significant relevance in England as well. If Real Madrid aren’t going to add Dybala this summer, they will immediately shift their transfer attention to other targets. Chelsea star Eden Hazard has been strongly linked with Zidane’s club over the past few weeks. With Dybala off the table, Los Blancos may choose to focus their full attention on the Blues’ star.

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It’s fair to mention that the insertion of a Barcelona release clause doesn’t prevent Real Madrid from making an obscene offer to try to change his mind. In some ways, all the release clause does is set the starting price. Real Madrid certainly have the financial resources to go above and beyond that price.

That would require them to satisfy Juventus’ asking price though. Dealing with The Old Lady may prove more difficult than satisfying Dybala’s wage demands. At the very least, it’s going to make things more expensive for Zidane’s club.

Next: Real Madrid star will snub Manchester United

The transfer saga of Paulo Dybala is far from complete, but Barcelona have to be smiling at the latest news. The Argentine star has given them a clear advantage over their arch rivals in the race for his signature.