AS Roma star Paulo Dybala is being linked with a move away from Stadio Olimpico in the upcoming January transfer window.
The 31-year-old joined the Giallorossi in July 2022 following seven years at Juventus and is now entering the final months of his contract, which expires in July.
According to reports from Turkish journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu, the Roma forward’s agent, Carlos Novel, was in attendance for Galatasaray’s 4-3 victory over Trabzonspor yesterday alongside the club’s representatives.
Sky Sports have reported that the 24-time Turkish champions have offered the former Juventus forward a contract worth up to 10 million euros.
However, Dybala’s focus remains fully on turning Roma’s season around, as the Argentinian is believed to have no interest in departing Roma in January unless the club publicly decide to sell him.
Despite his contract coming to an end in the summer, Dybala is only seven appearances away from an automatic renewal clause. This is not the first time rumours have circulated about La Joya’s future in Rome, with the Argentinian rejecting a lucrative offer from the Saudi Pro League in the Summer.
Galatasaray’s vice-president has even confirmed contact between the two sides, saying that while he does not supervise the club on transfer business, he is aware “there are contacts between the two sides.”
Ranieri speaks on speculation
Roma manager Claudio Ranieri has commented on the speculation linking Dybala with a move away and has revealed that he will not stand in the way if the forward wishes to leave.
However, the 73-year-old manager also revealed that Dybala has not expressed any sort of desire to leave the club.
Speaking to SportMediaset, Ranieri said, “I am happy to have Dybala and put him on the pitch when he is well, but if he has other priorities, both of us need to agree. If the boy does not want to stay, there is a possibility… I only want players who are happy to stay. However, I have not had any signals about his desire to leave”.
A replacement for Mauro Icardi?
One of the possible reasons for the Turkish champion’s interest in the World Cup winner could be due to the injury to fellow Argentinian Mauro Icardi.
The former Inter and Paris Saint Germain striker joined Galatasaray in 2022 and has scored an impressive 61 goals in 86 appearances.
However, during a Europa League clash with Tottenham Hotspur in November, Icardi ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and was ruled out for the remainder of the season.
With Gala likely looking to fill the big gap left by Icardi’s absence, Dybala could be a vital addition to maintain the club’s title charge. Galatasaray are currently top of the Super Lig with 41 points, seven clear of Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.