Premier League

Chelsea Line Up Benfica's Di Maria For Next Summer

The Argentine international is wanted by the Blues for next season...

Jan 9, 2009 9:01:11 AM

Angel Di Maria could be on his way to Real Madrid.

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Angel Di Maria could be on his way to Real Madrid.

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Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has identified Argentina international Angel Di Maria as a top transfer target for the summer according to a report in British broadsheet newspaper The Telegraph.

Having been told that there will be no funds available to reinforce his squad during the January transfer window, the Brazilian is, reportedly, already looking to next season.

Apparently, Scolari has made it clear that the Blues' biggest weakness is their lack of options in attack and on the wing, therefore Di Maria has emerged as a potential solution.

The 20-year-old is an ideal target as he can play as either a winger or a forward and he is young, which has become a chief concern of Chelsea due to their ageing midfield.

The former Rosario Central starlet has hugely impressed since moving to Portuguese giants Benfica in 2007 for a fee of €6 million and could now cost up to three times that amount.

The news may signal the end of Salomon Kalou and Florent Malouda's careers at Stamford Bridge, as Scolari has apparently deemed them surplus to requirements.

Ricky Brooks, Goal.com