Transfer News - Juventus striker Paulo Dybala turns down offer from FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona have reportedly seen a bumper €80 million bid for Juventus attacker Paulo Dybala rejected.

According to Football Italia, Gustavo Mascardi, founder of Grupo Mascardi has stated that Barcelona’s initial bid for the player has been turned down as the Argentine wishes to stay put in Turin. Grupo Mascardi is the agency that represents Dybala, and their head is of the opinion that the striker would make a move at the right time of his career. In an interview with Gazzamercato (h/t Football Italia), Gustavo said:

“When I talk with Paulo and his agent, Pierpaolo Triulzi, I have proof that the lad is really on the right track. A year ago Inter and Milan also wanted him, but he was right to choose the club which would give him more safeguards. His career at Juventus has just begun.”

“Will he stay at Juventus for a long time? The transfer market can offer a lot of temptations, but Paulo has shown himself to have clear ideas. It is true that in recent months Barcelona were interested in La Joya, I think they made a bid of double what the Bianconeri paid [€80m].”

“But the player’s first consideration was that it was more important to consolidate his experience at a club which is giving him the opportunity to succeed at the highest levels,” added Mascardi.

Staying in Turin is wiser than making a move to the Camp Nou

TURIN, ITALY - MAY 14: Paulo Dybala (R) of Juventus FC is challenged by Edgar Osvaldo Barreto of UC Sampdoria during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and UC Sampdoria at Juventus Arena on May 14, 2016 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images) — Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images

Barcelona attacker Neymar is reportedly set to sign a new contract at the club, which would run until the summer of 2022. Dybala was eyed as a replacement for the Brazilian, lest he left the Camp Nou. With an attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar, the Juve striker would find it extremely strenuous to clock regular playing minutes.

At Juventus however, he is the first-choice striker, and with the departure of Alvaro Morata to Real Madrid due to his buy-back clause, it may just be the time for Dybala to emerge as a hero. The Argentine striker has an impressive scoring tally with 19 strikes to his name in his first season with the Old Lady.