Manchester United have gone to Juventus and proposed a big idea to them regarding a possible swap this summer, according to a report by Tuttosport (via Sport Witness).
The Italian media outlet claims the Red Devils have told the Serie A outfit that they would be willing to allow Romelu Lukaku to join them if they were to receive Paulo Dybala in exchange.
However, it is also claimed that Paris Saint-Germain are interested in signing the Argentina international, who is believed to be preparing to hold talks with the Old Lady regarding his future later next week.
A swap deal between the two sides would be a huge piece of business by the clubs this summer, although whether it happens is something that could be questionable.
As Sport Witness state, the Old Lady are already looking to offload two attackers (with Dybala, Gonzalo Higuain, Mario Madzukic and Moise Kean the names being touted), so adding another one when shifting one is not likely something they will want to do.
However, in Manchester United’s case, bringing the Argentina international to Old Trafford could be the answer to their goalscoring woes after managing just 65 in the Premier League and finishing fifth in the rankings just ahead of Chelsea.
The 25-year-old has been clinical in front of goal throughout his career, especially when deployed as a secondary striker. In 182 games for Juventus, Dybala has scored 78 goals and provided 30 assists (via Transfermarkt), with 43 goals in his 93 appearances coming in that particular role.
His versatility is something that can appeal to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as well (who is thought to be a huge admirer of the South American), as he would provide him with a number of different attacking options in the final third of the pitch. As noted by WhoScored, he can be utilised as an attacking midfielder and be rather effective. In his six games there, he provided Juventus with two goals and one assist, whilst managed to produce an average of 1.7 key passes per game and 1.7 dribbles.
Compare that with Lukaku’s own stats and it would appear Dybala would be an upgrade. Although he managed 12 goals in the Premier League last season, according to the figures collected by WhoScored, he managed just an average of 1.7 shots per game and provided his team-mates with less than one key pass a match (0.7). And, his stats continued to get worse the further you divulge into them.
He completed less than one dribble per game (0.7), he was found offside 0.7 times – perhaps that had something to do with the extra weight and how unfit he was as Gary Neville alluded to in his scathing attack of the forward? – whilst his ball control was absolutely shocking.
Having been dispossessed 1.4 times on average per game and making an average of 1.6 bad touches per match it is hardly any wonder as to why a number of fans were quick to tear into him on social media on a number of occasions (including his birthday).
On paper, this deal looks highly unlikely at the moment and a tad audacious, especially if Juventus are looking to try and offload some of their own attackers already. They will not want another one on their books if they are unable to shift some of their own first.
However, it could be a huge piece of smart business by Manchester United this summer if they were able to get a swap sorted as Dybala has all the attributes to help improve the Red Devils and turn them into a bigger attacking threat going forward.
Manchester United fans, do you think a swap deal involving Dybala and Lukaku would ever happen? Let us know your thoughts by sharing them in the comments section below!
