Arsenal are set to make an official bid for Angel di Maria over the weekend – Madrid want £26million (€30million) for the winger. Arsenal have made enquiries to Real Madrid over the futures of both Karim Benzema and Angel di Maria.
The Benzema situation is a little more complicated and it does depend on Real Madrid signing another striker. However, contrary to press reports, Luis Suarez is not the only, or even priority replacement for Benzema at Madrid, with the clubs hierarchy concerned about the Uruguayan’s attitude. Angel di Maria however, looks set to leave Madrid with Arsenal the favorites to sign him. The 25 year-old winger has been on Arsenal’s radar since 2006, where the player later joined Benfica ahead of the Gunners. The winger has managed 18 goals and 44 assists in 90 appearances for Madrid and also has 40 International caps for Argentina to his name. The transfer fee should be no problem for Arsenal but getting the winger to switch Madrid for the Emirates will be the main issue.
Karim Benzema is a target for the Gunners, but a bid of at least £38million would be needed to lure the Frenchman away from the capital, especially with no new striker on the horizon.