Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has made it clear he wants Paulo Dybala to remain at the club despite ongoing contract negotiations. Dybala, 32, recently returned to action in Roma's 2–0 victory over Bologna following a nearly three-month injury absence caused by knee and hamstring problems. The Argentina international has struggled with fitness throughout his time in the Italian capital, which has complicated discussions over a new contract.
Roma are reluctant to match Dybala's current €12.96 million annual salary and have mooted an €8 million wage offer instead. However, Gasperini views Dybala as an important player who can make an impact when fit. The situation comes after Gasperini recently parted ways with Claudio Ranieri, who departed his senior advisor role at the club. Despite Gasperini's desire to keep him, Dybala has been linked with a move away from Europe, with Argentine club Boca Juniors considered a likely destination.
Dybala's compatriot Leandro Paredes, a former Roma teammate and close friend, has publicly expressed his desire to see Dybala join Boca. When asked about the prospect, Dybala said: "Paredes and his wife press us every day, I would like to play together again but now I have to think about Roma. At the end of the season we'll see what happens."
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1 As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini wants Paulo Dybala to remain at the club. Having recently come out on top after a public falling-out with club legend Claudio Ranieri, which also resulted in the 74-year-old leaving his role as a senior advisor at the Olimpico, Gasperini is already planning for the next season. Dybala, having struggled with injuries throughout his time in the Italian capital, has struggled with knee and hamstring issues this season. His recent return to the pitch during Roma’s 2–0 victory over Bologna ended a nearly three-month-long period on the sidelines for the Argentina international. The 32-year-old’s injury record and lack of returns in front of goal has left the Giallorossi reluctant over offering him a new contract that would match his current €12.96m-per-year base salary. A €8m wage offer has been mooted. Despite all the hinderances, it is believed Gasperini sees Dybala as an important player who can offer impact when he is fit. While an exit from Rome is not yet confirmed, Dybala has been linked with a move away from Europe altogether, with Boca Juniors heavily touted as his next destination. Leandro Paredes, Dybala’s compatriot and close friend, also a former teammate at Roma, spoke recently about his desire to see La Joya at La Bombonera, claiming that to be Dybala’s wish as well. This is something Dybala referred to recently, while making sure nothing will be confirmed before the end of this season. “Paredes and his wife press us every day, I would like to play together again but now I have to think about Roma. At the end of the season we’ll see what happens.”
