According to a recent print edition by Tuttosport (transcripted and translated by Sport Witness), Manchester City will only consider selling Gabriel Jesus if they receive Juventus forward Paulo Dybala in return during the summer transfer period. The same source has also mentioned that the Citizens have no intention of letting Jesus leave, and the only way they are even going to consider selling him is if they can get Dybala in a potential swap deal this summer (via Sport Witness).
Dybala’s Incredible Form At Turin This Season
The Juve attacker has enjoyed another brilliant season in the Serie A after putting in several memorable displays as part of Maurizio Sarri’s attack. The Argentine international has banged in 13 goals and provided 12 assists in 34 matches for the Italian outfit this term across all competitions which proves just how much of a menace he can be for the opposition defenders in the final third.
Dybala has averaged 3.1 shots, 2.0 key passes and 1.9 dribbles in every 90 minutes of league football this season (stats via whoscored). However, his numbers have gone down in Europe where he averaged 1.9 shots, 1.1 key passes and 1.6 dribbles per game in the seven UEFA Champions League matches he participated in before the football world came to a standstill because of the COVID-19 pandemic (stats via whoscored).
The 26-year-old has also earned 29 senior caps for the Argentine national side but has only got two international goals to show for his efforts. Despite his poor form for Lionel Scaloni’s team, we can expect him to play a vital role for his country in the next edition of the Copa America.
What Will The South American Sensation Add To Pep Guardiola’s Team?
Dybala can use his pace and agility to make some dangerous runs in behind the opposition backline. He is a well-rounded forward who excels at dribbling with the ball and causing all sorts of problems for his marker. The Argentine can read the game well and is quite proficient at getting himself into some promising positions in the final third.
He has also transformed himself into a decent finisher and can even pick out a decisive pass in and around the opposition penalty box. Plus, the Laguna Larga-born talent is very tidy with his ball-distribution after completing 87.9% of his attempts passes in the Serie A this season (stats via whoscored).
Dybala In, Jesus Out: Good Deal For The Citizens?
In comparison, Jesus has scored 18 goals and provided nine assists in 39 appearances for Man City this term on all fronts. He is also three years younger than Dybala and has the potential to develop himself into a world-class centre-forward over the next few years. However, the Brazilian striker can sometimes fade in and out of games which have been a slight concern for Pep Guardiola during this campaign. Furthermore, he has struggled to form a lethal attacking partnership with the more experienced, Sergio Aguero at the Etihad Stadium.
Hence, it makes sense for the Citizens to swap Jesus out for Dybala as the Argentine has the potential to form a fruitful striking partnership with his countryman, Aguero which could even benefit Argentina at the international stage. If Guardiola is looking for immediate success, then he should consider exchanging Jesus for Dybala this summer. However, if the Spanish tactician is planning for the long-run, then he should retain Jesus’ services as he has all the skillset required to serve as an ideal long-term replacement for Aguero, who is edging closer towards the end of his playing career.
