Could Manchester United sign Paulo Dybala as a free agent this summer?

Several clubs have placed their offer on the table to sign Paulo Dybala on a free transfer in the summer transfer window. Amongst all others, Manchester United are deemed to be the favorite to sign the Juventus forward – given he is out of contract at the end of the season.

Along with Man United, via ESPN, other Premier League clubs like Arsenal, Newcastle, and Tottenham have reportedly registered their interest in signing the 28-year-old. Amid having discussions with Dybala’s agents, none of the clubs has made advances to close a deal.

The same report also suggests clubs from Italy and Spain are willing to sign him as well. This does display there will be loads of competition to get his signature.

In 2019, Manchester United held talks about a swap deal for Dybala. This could have seen Romelu Lukaku join the Italian side and Dybala head in the other direction to Old Trafford. However, the deal broke down and never materialized with United unable to meet the Argentine’s wage demands.

Having said that, Erik Ten Hag is still yet to take the reigns at Old Trafford. The Dutchman would definitely be looking to bolster up the frontline at United.

On the other hand, Tottenham too was close to signing Dybala three seasons ago for a reported fee worth £65 million. The deal was likewise off because of Spurs’ financial status.

After the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Barcelona, Arsenal will be looking for a new striker, especially with Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah reaching the end of their contract at the end of the season.

Following the 2021 takeover by a Saudi-led group, Newcastle will be keen to make some notable signings in the summer, as they look to compete for top honors.

The star forward joined Juventus in 2015 from Palermo. He has scored 14 goals in 34 appearances (stats via Transfermarkt) in all competitions this season.

Is Erik Ten Hag of interest to bring Paulo Dybala to Old Trafford?

Manchester United appointed Erik Ten Hag as their first team manager a few weeks ago. The Ajax boss is said to have a deal until June 2025, with an option to extend for a further year thereafter.

As it stands, Edinson Cavani is uncertain of his future at United. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo seems like the sole torchbearer at the moment while Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho are in and out of the starting eleven.

While at the helm, Ten Hag will be definitive about revitalizing the squad altogether. He has likewise shown an interest in signing Paulo Dybala and bringing him to the Premier League when he joins in the summer. It is also suggested that the hierarchy of United has already met with the Argentine’s representatives to discuss a potential deal.

Certain Italian outlets are indicating that Dybala sees the exit doors at Juventus – as he is no longer the center of the project at the club.

Previously in an interview, Paulo Dybala gave his thoughts about his time with the Serie A giants and his future saying:

"I’m happy at Juventus, but I don’t know what will happen. We will see what plans Juventus will have, if they think it is better to start in the next market or if they want it to stay. But I’m here, in a club that treated me well. I’m happy, at ease.(Via: CalcioMercato)"

Despite the rumors, we just have to wait and watch how things take shape in the coming months and what a possible transfer to England means for Paulo Dybala.