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Juventus sign sought-after Palermo forward Paulo Dybala

| 04.06.2015
SPORTSBOOK ODDS

Italian giants Juventus (11/5 with Coral to win the Champions League) have announced the signing of Palermo’s Argentine attacker Paulo Dybala, for a reported fee of €32m (potentially rising to €40m), on a five-year deal.

The Old Lady had recently emerged as favourites to land the coveted striker, who hit 13 goals and 10 assists in 34 Serie A outings this season for the Sicilian side, who seemed keen to cash-in on the starlet after he apparently rejected a contract extension.

Premier League giants Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City were among those said to be eyeing the electric Argentine, though Dybala has opted to stay put in Italy with Scudetto victors Juve.

The news comes as a timely boost for the Turin team, who are currently preparing for a Champions League final against Spanish club Barcelona without key defender Giorgio Chiellini, and have their sights set on securing a first historic treble.

Before the first whistle has even been blown in Berlin, Juventus have signalled their intent to stay as a top European force for years to come, and this transfer should be considered a significant coup.

Dangerous Dybala is understandably not short of admirers following his game-changing efforts for Palermo, but really put his name up in lights this season. Check out some of his highlights from this season:

Though not yet capped for La Albiceleste, or included in Argentina’s 2015 Copa America squad, it is just a matter of time before the man likened to Sergio Aguero takes his place among Lionel Messi and co to challenge the established order.

Dybala is just one of many fresh-faced Argentine talents to have made an impact in Europe this campaign, with Inter Milan marksman Mauro Icardi and Villarreal forward Luciano Vietto also impressing on the continent, meaning the footballing future looks bright for La Albiceleste.

This talented 21-year-old really is the full package, with fancy tricks and flicks secondary to his obvious composure, intelligence and elegance on the ball. The prospect of Dybala and last summer’s star striking capture Alvaro Morata linking up ahead of Juve’s midfield diamond is a tantalising thought, as the Italian giants now boast the most exciting young forward line in Europe.

Speculation has surrounded the future of top Juve scorer Carlos Tevez, who is rumoured to be seeking a switch back to South America, though Massimilano Allegri will surely be aiming to retain the former Man City and Man Utd predator for one more season to play mentor for his younger compatriot.

As for Basque frontman Fernando Llorente, who has struggled at times this term, the move for Dybala certainly seems to foreshadow the end of his time in Turin, though the Spanish striker will not be lacking for suitors.

Meanwhile, whether Juventus can use this clear intent in the transfer market to retain the likes of Andrea Pirlo, Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal, all of whom are linked with exits, remains to be seen. Old Lady fans could certainly be looking at a startlingly different starting XI next season.

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Author

Holly Thackeray

Holly is a member of the content team, and can often be found on the sports desk writing about favourite topics Serie A and East Asian footballing nations. A recent darts convert, she is also a fully-fledged member of Barney's Army and a proud Leeds-born Manchester United fan.