Arsenal and Man City set to battle for Real Madrid star
Published:Arsenal and Manchester City are locked in a battle to sign Real Madrid winger Angel Di Maria, according to various reports in the media.
Both Premier League sides have already shown an interest in the Argentine international, who was named in his country’s provisional World Cup squad, and is ready to test the water with a bid in the region of £29m.
Reports in Spain suggest Arsene Wenger and Manuel Pellegrini have made contact with the Spanish club, but also face competition from the likes of big spenders PSG and Monaco.
Wenger has been an admirer of Di Maria for some time and enquired about the 26-year-old last summer before breaking the Gunners’ transfer record by bringing his former teammate Mesut Özil to north London.
But after his side blew their chance of a first Premier League title since 2004 the Frenchman, whose side are 9/1 to win next year’s Premier League, is ready to strengthen Arsenal’s hand with a move for the Argentina international.
Di Maria, who has made 44 appearances for Real Madrid so far this season, is seen as an ideal addition to Arsenal’s attacking options and would add vital pace to a team that lacked a speedster in the absence of the injured Theo Walcott.
But Premier League champions Manchester City, who are 7/4 with Ladbrokes to defend the title next year, are prepared to fight tooth and nail to land a player who has grown frustrated in the Spanish capital after Gareth Bale’s arrival.
The former Benfica star stayed in Madrid and fought for his place as he helped Real lift the Copa del Rey and reach the Champions League final where they will face Madrid rivals Atletico but Carlo Ancelotti could now be ready to cash in on a player who has won 44 caps for Argentina.
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