Tottenham Hotspur is reportedly nearing a significant free transfer for Argentina World Cup winner Paulo Dybala, a move that would bring the forward to North London seven years after a previous deal dramatically collapsed.

The 32-year-old AS Roma forward is set to become a free agent this summer when his contract expires, making him an attractive prospect for Spurs as they plan for the upcoming season under new manager Roberto De Zerbi. Tottenham currently requires just one point from their final two Premier League fixtures to secure their top-flight status for next season.

A second chance for Dybala and Spurs

This isn’t the first time Dybala has been on Tottenham’s radar. In August 2019, Spurs had agreed a substantial £64.4 million fee with Juventus for the Argentine’s services. However, that deal ultimately fell through due to complications surrounding image rights, as reported by Sky Sports. Dybala remained at Juventus until 2022 before making the switch to Roma, where he has played for the past two seasons.

Now, with Dybala available on a free transfer, the financial hurdles of the past are significantly reduced, paving the way for a potential second attempt at bringing the experienced attacker to the Premier League. Sky Sports previously indicated that Dybala would be ready for the challenge of a move to England’s top flight.

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De Zerbi’s plans and a potential upgrade

Roberto De Zerbi, who took charge of Tottenham last month, is already looking to reshape his squad. With the club likely to miss out on European football next season, some player departures are anticipated, creating room for new additions that align with De Zerbi’s vision. Dybala’s potential arrival is seen as a major statement of intent.

The World Cup winner is viewed as a significant upgrade, particularly in the number nine role currently occupied by Richarlison. Richarlison has frequently found himself on the substitutes’ bench under De Zerbi, and Dybala’s pedigree and experience are expected to provide a new focal point and leadership within the squad. Tottenham has also contended with injuries to key players like Dominic Solanke, Xavi Simons, and James Maddison this season, highlighting the need for robust squad depth and quality.

Sources: SkySport

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