Transfer Profile: Paulo Dybala

Transfer Profile: Paulo Dybala 

By Jonny Bray
Paulo Dybala has been linked with a move to the Premier League for several years now. 
The versatile Argentine forward has excelled at Juventus but looks set to leave the Italian giants after seven years with the club. 
And several papers are reporting Arsenal that are in pole position to swoop in for his signature, despite previous links with North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur. 
But should Arsenal sign Dybala? 
If the Gunners do, then it would be one of the big stories of the 2022 summer transfer window. 

How has he done at Juventus?

Dybala has been one of Juventus' best players over the last seven years. 
He is now the club's 10th all-time leading goalscorer with 114 goals in all competitions, just one goal behind Roberto Baggio. 
He was named Serie A MVP with 11 goals and six assists at the end of the 2019/20 season. 
It was a rollercoaster of a year for most people, and the same was true for Dybala, who picked up the accolade despite missing two months of the season with an injury. 

What can he bring to Arsenal?

Dybala can be deployed as a striker but it would be a bit of a risk. 
He may have a decent record in front of goal but he rarely leads the line alone for Juventus. 
So Arsenal might struggle to play Mikel Arteta's preferred 4-3-3 formation and play Dybala as a lone striker. 
He'll face heavy competition out wide as well, with Emile Smith Rowe, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli all in great form this season. 
And in midfield, Martin Ødegaard has enjoyed one of the best campaigns of his career, so it is unlikely that he will find himself being replaced this summer. 

Would he be a good fit at The Emirates?

Signing Dybala would signal a break from Arsenal's current recruitment strategy. 
Under Arteta, the Gunners have focussed on the best young English talent and complimented those acquisitions with some shrewd signings from abroad. 
Gabriel, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Martin Ødegaard have all joined Arsenal for reasonable fees and with understated reputations. 
In contrast, Dybala is one of the biggest names in world football, and while that would undoubtedly create a big buzz at the club, it would also be a significant risk. 
The Gunners have a track record of signing big-name players on large wage packets, only to be stung, seeing no return on their investment whatsoever. 

Conclusion

Arsenal should not sign Dybala. 
He is too expensive, he is too old, and he will hamper the progression of Arsenal's young, exciting English talent. 
Why would Arteta go back on a system that has served them well over the last few years, particularly just after that same system has them back in Champions League contention?
Photo Credit: Getty Images

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