If only relentlessness of this Tottenham rumour made it come true

Tottenham have been linked to Paulo Dybala more times than the number of days it’s been since Arsenal finished above us in the standings. 

That’s 2,072 times. If only the relentless nature of this rumour meant it actually happens. But we Spurs supporters know what reality feels like. A cold, painful polar bear dip comes to mind.

And we have become all too accustomed to the idea of coming oh-so close.

Like we did when Dybala was on the verge, back in 2019, of becoming a Tottenham player. After the rumour resurfaced more than a week ago, follow-up speculation has trickled through like the onset of a leak. Soon we will be flooded with rhetoric about his “impending arrival at Hotspur Way”.

While there is linkage, through Fabio Paratici’s previous relationship with Dybala at the Old Lady, and enough evidence to support this particular rumour, nobody has an inkling to believe it until it happens.

Which certainly will not be in January. The diminutive Argentine’s contract expires in June, increasing anticipation of Tottenham’s free-transfer chances.

Football-Italia.net is the latest publication to jump on the Dybala bandwagon. It’s easy to be charmed and bamboozled into thinking this deal could happen. But Tottenham needs reinforcements now, and the summer feels like a lifetime away.

That said, Dybala would represent Spurs’ most prestigious signing since, well, I can’t even recall. I’ll need to call an older, more experienced mate whose memory recollects that far back.

And that’s the main reason Spurs supporters doubt it will eventuate. It feels distinctly too good to be true. He’s currently earning, via Salary Sport, £222,000 per week, £22,000 more than Harry Kane and Tanguy Ndombele, the latter of whom is the most overpaid player in world football.

Tottenham should have no qualms about paying a player of his calibre a typical, fair salary befitting his experience, stature and winning pedigree. It would be unfamiliar territory for Spurs, who have never paid a player that much.

Such is Daniel Levy’s angering mantra. Good for business, bad for on-field success.

If Spurs are able to convince the 28-year-old to join in the summer, it will be because the club manages to secure Champions League participation. Either that or Dybala has a tacit debt to repay to Paratici, who risked everything to bring the Argentinian to Juventus all those years ago.

I for one don’t care what the reason is, as long as he signs on the dotted line. Though I won’t get my hopes up.