Both Arsenal and Manchester City have been shocked by the revelation that they will have to pay £45 million for Real Madrid’s Angel Di Maria.
The Daily Express is claiming that Arsenal made an offer of £32 million for the Argentinian international, but reports out of Spain today are suggesting that the Gunners will have to fork out a further £13 million to match Madrid’s asking price.
The 26-year-old winger still has another four-years remaining on his current contract with the Spanish giants that puts them firmly in the driver’s seat when it comes to negotiations.
After having not won the La Liga title for a second successive season reports coming out of Spain are saying that club president Florentino Perez is gearing up for a spending spree that could include the Sevilla duo of Alberto Moreno and Ivan Rakitic moving to the Spanish Capital.
Real Madrid trainer Carlo Ancelotti is said to be a big fan of Ivan Rakitic who just happens to play in the same position as Di Maria meaning that if the Croatian did arrive at the Santiago Bernabeu Di Maria would be surplus to requirements.
Manchester City could also be a club interested in Di Maria who has a wealth of European experience as coach Manuel Pellegrini now sets his sights on winning the Champions League.
Arsenal are also being linked with a £30 million move for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema but it also might not be enough money if you consider how much the club expects to get for Di Maria.
It is going to be interesting to watch Wenger’s moves in the transfer market this summer, in which we think the Gunners will go for less expensive options such as Loic Remy rather than the high priced stars.
