Arsenal 'certainly' interested in Paulo Dybala but Argentine wants to stay in Serie A

Arsenal are one of a string of clubs who "certainly" want to sign Palermo forward Paulo Dybala in the summer, according to Italian side's club president Maurizio Zamparini.

Dybala, 21, remains heavily linked with a move away from the Stadio Renzo Barbera with club chief Zamparini doing his very best to drum up interest in the club's prized asset.

Since January, he has confirmed approaches from Manchester United and Arsenal for the player he likens to Lionel Messi, and is confident Europe's elite will be willing to play his €40m (£29m, $43m) valuation of the player.

While manager Arsene Wenger recently denied claims his club have already lodged a bid for the Argentine, the Gunners – along with Serie A champions Juventus – are the sides leading the chase for the coveted forward, according to Zamparini's recent comments.

"Dybala is leaving at the end of the season and he and his agent are aiming for a top club and they are right to do so," Zamparini told Canal Plus. "Four clubs want him – two are Italian, the others foreign. Certainly Juve and Arsenal want him."

Dybala has also been heavily linked with Premier League leaders Chelsea. The player's representative Gustavo Mascardi recently claimed manager Jose Mourinho was a keen admirer, prompting speculation a bid from the player may emerge from west London.

But Dybala could disappoint those interested parties from the Premier League, indicating his first choice would be to remain in Serie A.

"I admit it – I am very attached to Italy, where I have become famous, and I would like to stay here," he was quoted as saying by La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Dybala has scored 13 league goals this season in 30 league appearances for a Palermo side who are sitting 11<sup>th in the Serie A table and are adrift of matters at either end of the table.

Palermo have already confirmed the player is all but certain to leave the club at the end of the season, with Zamparini keen to balance the club's books.