Paulo Dybala will be the new Lionel Messi, says Palermo president

Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini says striker Paulo Dybala will be the new Lionel Messi and, despite interest from other clubs, the young Argentine only ever wanted to sign for Juventus.

While it has yet to be officially confirmed by the club, Juventus have won the race to sign the talented 21-year-old striker from Palermo.

On Sunday, Dybala’s transfer to the Italian champions was confirmed by Palermo head coach Guiseppe ‘Beppe’ Iachini during his post-match press conference following his side’s 1-0 victory over Cagliari.

“Dybala is now a Juventus player and this club is working towards the future,” Iachini admitted.

Today, Palermo’s president told Sky Sport Italia that the striker “only wanted Juventus” and will eventually be “the new Lionel Messi”.

“Inter and Milan had matched the offer for Dybala, but he only wanted Juventus,” Zamparini said.

“Dybala will be the new Lionel Messi. If Juventus grow him well, they can sell him on in three or four years for 100 million euros.”

In recent weeks, Dybala had been linked with Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal. But the understanding has always been that Juventus have been the front runners to land the talented 21-year-old striker’s signature.

Last week, various Italian news outlets reported Juventus were close to an agreement for Dybala.

It is understood the two clubs held a meeting on last Thursday to finalize the deal and an official announcement is expected soon, with Dybala is set to have a medical in Turin on Monday.

Palermo reportedly placed a £29 million price tag on the striker and Juventus were attempting to negotiate a deal which would see Dybala join the Old Lady for between £20-23 million plus bonuses.

Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio believes Dybala agreed a five-year contract with Juventus worth £1.6 million per season, plus performances bonuses.

Di Marzio also claims Juventus will play Palermo an initial transfer fee of £20 million, plus £6 million in performance bonuses and £3 million worth of player contracts. The total package would ultimately satisfy Palermo’s original price tag for the 21-year-old striker.