Will Arsenal really be signing Paulo Dybala?

The Metro are reporting (from reports in Spain) that Arsenal will look to complete a £29.5m move for Palermo’s Argentinian striker Paulo Dybala in the summer.

Dybala has long been watched by Premiership clubs but the reports suggest that Arsenal are willing to beat off the competition and meet the asking price for the talented 21-year-old Argentinian striker.

With Arsenal’s new financial firepower (and love of young players) the move on paper makes a lot of sense, however what the reports have failed to mention is the cloud the signing of Dybala would place over the long-term Arsenal futures of Yaya Sanogo (22) and Chuba Akpom (19), both of whom are a similar age.

Whilst it wouldn’t be a surprise to see both Sanogo and Akpom loaned out to Premiership clubs next season, a question would remain for both of them about what would happen on their returns to Arsenal, especially for Sanogo.

With Wenger keen on both players, I’m yet to be convinced that the manager will want to bring someone else in to compete with them.

Dybala is also known to favour a move to Barcelona, and whilst that wouldn’t be an issue yet because of their transfer ban, in the longer term that could well present an issue to Arsenal:

‘Would I be open to a move to Barcelona? I would swim to Barcelona if they came knocking.

‘I wouldn’t even have to change into my swimming gear. After all, I would only have to cross the Mediterranean Sea.’

Arsenal will strengthen the squad in the summer, there is little question about that and Arsenal will have watched Dybala and, given his form, probably went back a few times.

But are Arsenal about to make a move?

I’m not sure.

Flip that on it’s head though and the question becomes can Arsenal afford to miss out on him and see him join a rival?

And if that’s the question then the answer requires a bit more thought.

It would certainly show a ruthless side of Wenger bringing in someone knowing that it could well end the Arsenal career of someone else (probably Sanogo) and that seems most unlike him.

I doubt that we have heard the last of this story yet however.

Dybala has scored 12 goals for Palermo this season and contributed eight assists.