Is this a sign that Barcelona are planning for life without Neymar?
Italian publication Tuttosport claims that the Spanish giants have made two bids in excess of €80m for Paulo Dybala, which were rejected by Juventus who only signed the 22-year-old last summer.
Dybala is considered one of the best young attackers in the world, and his 11 goals in 15 Serie A starts this season have seen his value rocket following his £23.4m arrival from Palermo.
According to Tuttosport, Barcelona made their first mammoth offer to Juve’s managing director Beppe Marotta in December and have since seen a second advance on the player knocked back.
The La Liga champions seem intent on getting Dybala, which makes you ask why when they already have Neymar, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Arda Turan to play in their attacking three.
Perhaps the only explanation for Barca’s strong interest in the South American is that they fear losing one of the forwards already at the club, and Neymar seems the most likely candidate.
The Brazilian has apparently been stalling on a new contract at the Camp Nou, and Manchester United and Manchester City have both been monitoring his situation with a view to big-money swoops.
It seems unlikely that Neymar would leave Catalonia, but Barcelona would have no reason to go after Dybala at such a hefty price if they were confident of keeping the Ballon d’Or nominee.
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