Argentine superstar Angel Di Maria is reportedly ready to snub Barcelona and sign a contract with Juventus.
According to Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport, Barcelona are set to face defeat in their pursuit of Argentine winger Angel Di Maria, as the veteran star is poised to join Juventus on a free transfer.
Di Maria is set to become a free agent from July 1, as his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires at the end of the month. The 34-year-old has been a man in demand in the market due to his availability on a Bosman deal. Barcelona are one of the clubs that have been linked the most with the Argentine, along with Juventus.
Barcelona are in the market for a new right-sided winger as they prepare to part ways with contract rebel Ousmane Dembele, who is out of contract on June 30. Despite reports claiming that the Frenchman would consider signing a new deal, it is unlikely to happen, and he looks set to move on as a free agent this summer.
Barcelona, thus, need to find a replacement in the market. They have identified Leeds United superstar Raphinha as their primary target but are staring at the prospect of missing out on the Brazilian, with Arsenal emerging as favourites for his signing. Di Maria was thus identified as a possible alternative to Raphinha and a cost-effective option as well.
Di Maria was also believed to be keen on joining Barcelona and was prepared to snub Juventus to move to Camp Nou. However, the 34-year-old has now decided that he does not wish to wait any longer for the Blaugrana to come up with a concrete proposal and is now in advanced talks to sign for the Bianconeri.
As per the report, Di Maria wanted just a one-year contract as he wishes to return to Argentina next year, where he wants to play for Rosario Central. And Juventus are ready to accept his request. The Serie A giants will be shelling out wages of €7 million per year to capture the former Real Madrid and Manchester United winger on a Bosman deal.
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This leaves Barcelona in a difficult position as they are unlikely to extend Dembele’s contract, while a move for Raphinha appears complicated due to Arsenal’s interest and Leeds United’s asking price. With Di Maria set to be off the market now, it will be interesting to see who Barcelona decide to sign.
