KEY POINTS

  • Paulo Dybala's current deal with Juventus is due to expire in 2021 summer
  • He has asked for more than $12 million a year from Juventus
  • His current season has been wrecked due to several injuries

Juventus director Fabio Paratici confirmed that negotiations between the club and Paulo Dybala are currently underway ahead of the summer transfer window.

Dybala, whose current deal with Juventus is due to expire at the end of the 2020-21 season, has been linked with a number of clubs including Liverpool FC and Manchester United as Juventus are looking to cash in on the forward in the 2021 summer.

"Paulo still has a few problems - it's like he's on a swing. Some days he's better and others he's worse. He seemed okay [last week], then he felt some pain again. We have spoken [about this contract], we have been speaking and will continue to speak in the next few days and months," Paratici was quoted by Goal, as saying, in an interview after Juventus’ 3-0 win against Crotone in the Serie A.

Dybala, who moved from Palermo to Juventus ahead of the 2015-16 season, has been a vital cog of the team over the years, having netted 98 goals in 244 matches, across all competitions.

In the ongoing season, Dybala’s fitness issues have wrecked his run as he has been sidelined since the start of January. He has only managed three goals and two assists in as many as 16 competitive appearances in 2020-21, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Alvaro Morata currently leading the line in his absence for the Bianconeri.

Juventus have offered Dybala a new contract worth $12 million a year, including bonuses but the Argentina attacker wants more. However, Juventus have decided not to offer Dybala more than that, according to Italian outlet Tuttojuve.

In Dybala’s absence, Andrea Pirlo’s Juventus have slipped eight points behind Serie A leaders Inter and four points behind second-placed Milan.

Juventus forward Paulo Dybala said he has tested positive for coronavirus but was 'perfectly fine'
Dybala has been at Juventus since the 2015-16 season. AFP / Isabella BONOTTO

Earlier this month, Juventus ended up losing the semi-final of Coppa Italia but Pirlo’s side still can win a domestic and European double if Juventus have their full-fledged side back and running. The Italian champions still have a game in hand on Inter and they will be looking to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit when they take on Porto at home in the second leg of their Round of 17 Champions League game on March 9.

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