Paulo Dybala to Chelsea transfer latest: Pochettino plea, Messi claim, contract talks, price tag

Mauricio Pochettino appears eager to further bolster his Chelsea frontline despite having already signed Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson this summer

Paulo Dybala has reportedly emerged as a target for Chelsea as Mauricio Pochettino looks to further bolster his frontline options. The 29-year-old forward has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge recently following his impressive performances for Roma.

He, who sees his contract at the Stadio Olimpico expire in 2025, featured 25 times for Jose Mourinho's side in the Serie A last season, directly contributing towards 19 goals. Dybala's eye-catching displays helped the Italian giants reach the Europa League final and beat Juventus to a top-six spot.

Despite having already welcomed Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson to west London this summer, the Argentina international has been tipped to provide Chelsea with some excellent cover in attack. While Dybala can operate in a wide-right role, he's far more effective as a No.10 or second-striker – which is what Pochettino probably has in mind.

So, with that being said, football.london has collated the latest headlines as Chelsea explore a potential move for the Argentinian star.

New contract

According to Calciomercato, Dybala is willing to snub interest from the Premier League and pen a new deal at Roma. The report states that the Italian outfit are planning to significantly increase his base salary to €6million (£5.1million) per season, with €2million (£1.7million) in add-ons.

It's said that Roma would also like to remove his release clause, which is €12milllion (£10.3million) for foreign clubs and €20million (£17million) for Italian sides. Calciomercato add that the Giallorossi owner, Dan Friedkin, would be happy to offer Dybala an extension after shirts with his name and number on have already sold out.

Pochettino request

According to Italian journalist Matteo De Santis, as quoted by RomaPress, Chelsea are considering a move for Dybala, who has been specifically requested by Pochettino. Despite his mere release clause, the report states that Roma aren't concerned by the Blues' interest and they're confident that they can keep him on board for next term.

Messi claim

In 2015, at the age of 21, Dybala was handed his first call-up to the senior national team after bursting onto the scene at Juventus. In an interview with Tuttosport, Lionel Messi was quizzed on the Roma star's rise to prominence.

"Paulo is a great player and he has a bright future ahead of him," said the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner. "I have no doubt about it that people will talk about him a lot over the next few years."

Pochettino reasoning

In 2018, ahead of the Champions League clash between Tottenham and Juventus, Pochettino put Dybala on the same pedestal as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar. As quoted by Football Italia, the former Spurs boss said: "He’s a great footballer and Juve is a different team when he’s on the pitch and when he’s not.

"Like Messi, Cristiano and Neymar, he has the ability to give the team lots of alternative options. It will be tougher for Juve [playing without Dybala].

"But they have many other players, like [Federico] Bernardeschi. We want to reach the same level as Juve with the same motivation as them."