Matuidi feels Juve will struggle to replace Dybala
Blaise Matuidi believes Juventus will struggle to replace Paulo Dybala when he departs at the end of the season.
The Argentina forward's deal expires at the end of June and the Bianconeri have opted against offering him an extension.
Dybala has scored 113 goals for the Serie A giants, ranking him third all-time among the club's non-Italian scorers, behind only David Trezeguet (171) and John Hansen (124).
He joined Juve from Palermo in a deal worth up to €40million in June 2015 and has proved to be a shrewd acquisition, finding the back of the net 80 times in 202 Serie A appearances.
Matuidi is surprised the Turin giant has allowed his former team-mate to move on and says he will leave a big void.
The ex-France international said: "I have an excellent relationship with him, I heard the news, but I have not yet had the opportunity to speak to him.
"He is a great man, as well as a great player. I am very surprised because I think that it will not be easy for Juventus to replace him and find a new player at his level.
"He has done fantastic things in recent years, the fans love him and they will never forget him. I am sure he will find a club that will allow him to continue to grow and do well.
"The only explanation is that Juventus have decided to renew the team. I know it's difficult to accept, but in these situations you have to know how to turn the page."
Juve has been linked with Roma's Nicolo Zaniolo as they prepare for life without Dybala.
Arrivabene explained the reasoning behind Dybala's impending departure, telling Tuttomercatoweb.com: "The most important change is that Juventus has not renewed Paulo Dybala's contract.
"With the transfer market, I reiterated it: the approach was sincere. With the signings made in January, with the arrival of [Dusan] Vlahovic, Paulo's position is not what it was anymore at the centre of the project.
"That is why we preferred to make this kind of decision."
