As reported by ThisIsFutbol and The Metro on Monday morning, Arsenal are leading the race to sign Palermo prodigy Paulo Dybala this summer, with a meeting between officials of both clubs scheduled for next week.
The young Argentine, already drawing comparisons with countryman Sergio Aguero, has been in fantastic form this season, his twelve goals and seven assists in 27 league appearances propelling Rosanero to 11th in the Italian top flight after promotion from Serie B last term.
It’s believed Arsenal would be prepared to meet Palermo’s £28.5million valuation of the 21 year-old, but conflicting reports from yesterday afternoon claim the north Londoners will face some almighty competition from Premier League rivals Chelsea.
According to The Metro, who quote Sky Italia as their source, the Blues have made contact with Dybala’s agent in a bid to muscle in on Arsenal’s deal.
With Didier Drogba only edging further towards retirement and Loic Remy struggling to claim significant game-time from Diego Costa this season, the west Londoners could well be in the market for another centre-forward.
What that means for Arsenal’s plans to sign the Palermo starlet, however, remains to be seen. One alternative front-man linked with an Emirates move earlier this month by The Express is Porto’s Jackson Martinez. He boasts 86 goals in 122 appearances for the Primeira Liga side and has a release clause set at £29million.