Barcelona Transfer News: Paulo Dybala Eyes Lionel Messi Partnership Amid Rumours

Juventus striker Paulo Dybala is reportedly the subject of interest from a number of elite European clubs, including Real Madrid and Barcelona—and it seems he would prefer to play for the latter in order to link up with Lionel Messi.

That's according to Sport's Veronica Brunati, who adds: "Pushed to choose, Dybala would be especially inclined to lean towards Barca due to his admiration for Messi. He believes it would be a big step in his career to play in Spanish football one day, above all for Barcelona."

The 22-year-old burst onto the scene with Palermo last season, for whom he proved a key figure, according to Opta Paolo:

Indeed, football writer and pundit James Horncastle highlighted Dybala as one of Italy's top young talents and placed him alongside some considerable company:

His exploits earned him a move to Serie A champions Juventus in the summer, and he has adapted to his new surroundings and the added pressures of being at a bigger club quite well, bagging eight goals and four assists so far this season.

Massimo Pinca/Associated Press

As Brunati notes, the forward has not yet been able to play alongside Messi for the Argentina national team, but the Barca superstar gave the youngster his backing upon receiving his first call up, saying: "Dybala is going to be a big player. He’s a player with a big future."

Football writer and presenter Mina Rzouki believes Dybala is fulfilling his considerable potential and runs the rule over his strengths and weaknesses:

Indeed, along with his pace and agility, the Argentinian's technique and work rate would likely see him fit in well at the Camp Nou.

Courtesy of FourFourTwo's Stats Zone, football writer Adam Digby reveals Dybala's stats from the recent 2-0 win over Lazio, in which he not only scored, but showcased his hard work and dribbling skills:

Of course, the eagle-eyed will also notice the majority of his missed passes came in the final third—something he perhaps still needs to work on.

Nevertheless, Dybala's promising development continues to impress, and the youngster would make a highly useful addition to Barcelona's squad following the departure of Pedro.

The difficulty will of course be prying him away from Turin after signing so recently for Juventus. Brunati notes the Bianconeri are well aware of his talent and eager to keep him.

"He’s got a huge capacity for learning, he’s like a sponge. Just look at his eye, he’s got so much focus, he has a killer look," Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri said.

If and when Barca do decide to pursue the player in earnest, they'll at least take comfort in the knowledge they already have a leg up on his other suitors.