Chelsea ‘make contact’ with 18-goal World Cup winner who has ‘£10.3m release clause’

Chelsea may be facing something of an exodus this summer but they are already working on trying to plug the gaps left by the likes of Mason Mount and Kai Havertz, who have joined the ranks of Manchester United and Arsenal respectively. The Blues are typically very convincing on the transfer market and this window is no exception.

With Mauricio Pochettino at the hilt, Chelsea are getting stuck in as they hope to improve last season’s difficult run. They recorded their worst ever Premier League finish last campaign and based on the fact they’ve already splashed out on Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson, Chelsea clearly don’t plan on letting it happen again.

One of the latest names linked with a move to Stamford Bridge is AS Roma’s Paulo Dybala, and Chelsea have had ‘first contact’ with the World Cup winner, according to Pedro Almeida. Despite his high profile on the transfer market over the years, and his impressive presence in front of goal, the versatile forward has a release clause of just €12 million (£10.2m).

Considering the 29-year-old is currently valued at €30 million (£25.7m) by Transfermarkt, Pochettino would be securing his services for a cut-price deal.

Dybala only signed for Roma last summer from Juventus, but he has already been linked to summer exits. During his time with the Italian giants, the Argentinian contributed 115 goals and 48 assists in 293 appearances across all competitions. Dybala’s first season with Roma saw him return 18 goals and eight assists.

Having lost the creative influence of Mount and Havertz, plus Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic also tipped to leave among several others, Chelsea will benefit from any extra attacking prowess they can bring in.

Dybala has been a hot Premier League target for many years, but a move never materialised. Could the Blues be the first ones to lure him to England?