Roma forward Paulo Dybala has suggested that he has no interest in signing for Chelsea this summer.
In 2022, the Argentina international ended his long-term association with Juventus to move to Stadio Olimpico on a free transfer.
From a personal perspective, Dybala enjoyed a productive campaign, contributing 18 goals and eight assists from his 38 appearances in all competitions.
However, Roma could only finish in sixth place in Serie A and lost the Europa League final to Sevilla on penalties, preventing them from qualifying for the Champions League.
While there had been no indication that the 29-year-old was considering another change in clubs, the release clauses in his contract dictated that speculation would emerge regardless.
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Although Italian sides would have to spend more to acquire a player from their rivals, foreign clubs have been in a position where they can shell out €12m (£10.3m) for the versatile attacker.
That has led to strong links with Chelsea who, as well as requiring further additions in the final third, now have a head coach in Mauricio Pochettino who is an admirer of his compatriot.
Nevertheless, Dybala has spoken on the talk linking him with a move to the Premier League, saying that he fully intends to remain in the Italian capital.
Speaking to LaRoma24, Dybala said: "I'm motivated for pre-season, which we're starting [on Monday]. My future? I'm happy at Roma. I'm staying here."
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Dybala's comments will come as a huge boost to Jose Mourinho who is having to work with FFP restrictions and has already lost Tammy Abraham for the first half of the season due to a serious knee injury.
Despite making some astute additions in Evan Ndicka, Diego Llorente and Houssem Aouar, Mourinho is yet to strengthen in the final third.
From Chelsea's perspective, signing Dybala would have been regarded as no more as a potential opportunity at a time when they already have six established options in the final third ahead of a season without continental football.
Raheem Sterling, Noni Madueke, Mykhaylo Mudryk, Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson and Armando Broja will currently be at the disposal of Pochettino.
Darren Plant
