Argentinian attacking midfielder Angel Di Maria has put Arsenal and Manchester United on red-hot alert, after reportedly telling Real Madrid that he wants a move away from La Liga this summer.
Bye-nabéu
Despite a fantastic season in which he won the domestic cup and European double, Di Maria is looking for a swift departure from the Bernabéu following his stint in Brazil on national duty.
Spanish newspapers have reported this week that Di Maria has let his superiors know of his decision to leave the club, the player reportedly unhappy at his backseat role compared to star individuals Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo.
In addition to this, the pending signing of Radamel Falcao and the heavy interest in World Cup star James Rodriguez leaves room for a player to leave Madrid, Di Maria being the most viable option that Carlo Ancelotti would be willing to offload.
Bring out the piggy bank
While Metro claim that Madrid will only be considering bids from £45 million, as well as AS quoting a slightly smaller figure of £40 million, it leaves the question as to which clubs would be able to afford the tricky winger.
At 26 years old and with 11 goals last season, Arsenal understand that they will have to pay a sum parallel with the fee spent on record signing Mesut Özil last summer on deadline day.
Regardless of the English duo’s efforts to sign Di Maria, interest in his services from Manchester City, Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus may put any move to North London in doubt.
Need or want
Di Maria would be a star signing who could only add quality to the Arsenal squad for next season.
Nevertheless, with Mesut Özil, Santi Cazorla and Theo Walcott already similar players, the squad doesn’t need another attacking midfielder to add to the ranks, unless a compromising deal can be made.
Latest: