Barcelona are reportedly considering PSG attacker Angel Di Maria as a possible replacement for Neymar.
According to a report in Spanish publication Sport, Angel Di Maria is the subject of interest from Barcelona, who are scouring for replacement for Neymar. The PSG forward is open to a move away from Parc des Princes, fearing that his game time could be reduced considerably.
Di Maria is widely regarded as one of the best attacking players in the world, having enjoyed a highly productive four-year spell with Real Madrid before establishing himself as a key figure for PSG, via a failed one-year spell at Manchester United.
In 91 appearances for Les Parisiens, the player has scored 29 goals while also providing 40 assists. But, he could find himself going down the pecking order at Parc des Princes, with PSG signing Neymar while also eyeing a move for Kylian Mbappe.
With the prospect of reduced game time looming large, the player is open to seeking pastures anew should an opportunity present itself. And one of the biggest clubs in the world, Barcelona, are interested in signing him this summer.
SPORT:
Barcelona are interested in Angel Di Maria (29). The club sees him as a player with similar characteristics to Neymar. pic.twitter.com/q8UwFIxec1— M·A·J (@UltraAutistic) August 11, 2017
The Catalan club have been left shellshocked by the Neymar’s sensational move to PSG. The Brazilian’s departure has left Ernesto Valverde short of attacking options, with the likes of Arda Turan, Paco Alcacer and Gerard Deulofeu only deemed to be squad players.
Hence, the Barcelona boss has been left scrambling in search of a top replacement for Neymar. The Blaugrana have reportedly earmarked several players as potential targets, including Ousmane Dembele, Kylian Mbappe and Paulo Dybala.
But with less than three weeks left before the transfer window slams shut, Di Maria’s name is being discussed as well. Barcelona have been long-time admirers of the Argentine’s talents, having attempted to sign him on two occasions previously.
But with Neymar gone, they are set to launch a decisive move for the player. Di Maria’s playmaking abilities would complement Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez well, making him a like for like replacement for the Brazilian at Camp Nou.
Barcelona, though, face a big stumbling block in their pursuit of the player as their relationship with PSG is currently at its lowest ebb. Another factor that could prompt the Catalans to look elsewhere is the fact that Di Maria is 29, and is likely to only provide 3-4 years of top-level football to them.
In contrast, Dembele is only 20 and can potentially hang on for another decade unless a situation similar to Neymar’s move arises in his case as well. Thus, it remains to be seen if Barcelona indeed pursue a move for Di Maria, or if they continue their chase for Dembele, who has been heavily linked with a switch to Camp Nou as well.
