Arsenal Transfer News: Paulo Dybala Blow Rocks Gunners, Liverpool and United

Paulo Dybala has hinted he may commit his future to Palermo, denting Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United's chances of acquiring his services.

All three Premier League clubs are linked with the Argentinian striker by Rhys Turrell of the Daily Star. Dybala has moved to distance himself from a switch and focused on the possibility of a new contract when speaking to Rai Sport (h/t Turrell).

"With the director and with (Maurizio) Zamparini we are talking about renewal, I think it will come to an agreement," said Dybala. "The president said I'm worth €40 million? I do not think, my duty is to take the field."

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These comments appear to signal a change in tact by Dybala, who previously suggested he would love to represent the Gunners, per Serie A specialist David Amoyal:

Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini believes the 21-year-old has what it takes to become a world star. "Within two years, he's going to be better than Cristiano Ronaldo, (Lionel) Messi and (Zlatan) Ibrahimovic," reported David Wright of the Express. "It would take €40 million (£31 million) to take him away from us. He's the best striker in Serie A."

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Dybala netted his seventh of the season during Saturday's 2-2 draw with Torino. He also provided an assist, per WhoScored.com, and once again proved himself pivotal to Palermo's chances of success.

The clinical forward has now netted in five consecutive matches and has contributed to 59 percent of the Rosanero's 17 goals this campaign (seven strikes and three assists, recorded by WhoScored).

Aside from Alexis Sanchez, Arsenal are looking short in front of goal. The Chilean's nine Premier League successes are triple that of his closest competitors in the Gunners squad, namely Aaron Ramsey and Danny Welbeck. Olivier Giroud is the only other player who has netted more than once in the domestic division, highlighting Arsenal's position as the lowest scorers in the top six.

Dybala is an adept finisher, as evidenced below:

Arsene Wenger also needs to strengthen his defence after Arsenal conceded a trio of sloppy goals in the 3-2 loss to Stoke. West Ham's Vincent Reid is touted by John Cross of the Mirror, who suggests the powerful centre-back wants £60,000 per week and a £1 million signing-on fee to prop up his next deal.

These numbers are reportedly being "quoted to interested clubs," with the Gunners and Liverpool most interested, per Cross' report. Wenger previously confirmed he is looking at bringing in young Ipswich Town defender Tyrone Mings, tweeted by James Olley of the London Evening Standard:

Wenger certainly needs to act with haste when the January transfer window opens. Talk of a new contract for Dybala could be a tactical move by Palermo to scope interest out. It would also be smart to insert a hefty buyout clause into his agreement, meaning the Italian side won't risk losing him for a minor fee.

Zamparini has made it clear he will only accept a mega sum for the attention-gaining striker. Quickly improving his terms may make this a real possibility, particularly if Dybala continues to score important goals.