Arsenal want Angel Di Maria on top of their Christmas tree
Gunners gearing up for a big money move for Real Madrid ace, but miss out on Calhanoglu
COULD Arsenal be hoping to put a very special angel on top of their Christmas tree (formation)? Possibly, according to the Daily Star, which claims the Gunners are gearing up for a big money offer for Real Madrid star Angel Di Maria.
The paper says the future of the Argentine winger "remains uncertain" with Arsenal, Manchester United and Monaco all monitoring Di Maria's situation at the Bernabeu. Asked if the Gunners had made a formal approach for the South American sorcerer, Real president Florentino Perez replied: "We have not received any offer for the sale of Angel Di Maria. This is the truth of this subject."
The player's agent, Eugenio Lopez, appears to be stirring the pot, however, declaring that although Di Maria is contracted to Real until 2018, "many clubs want him".
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
He then added with the ambiguity that one admires in agents: "There is a presidential angle to this but I will not talk about it." That didn't stop the Star claiming that Arsenal are the favourites to sign the 25-year-old Di Maria next month.
Still with Arsenal and Talksport claims that the Gunners are set to miss out on Turkey international Hakan Calhanoglu after Hamburg decided to offer the 19-year-old midfielder a new and improved contract. Arsenal and Liverpool have both been tracking the teenage dynamo in recent months but their interest has put the willies up Hamburg and as a consequence they will look to tie down Calhanoglu for the foreseeable future.
"We want to extend his contract until 2018," said Hamburg sporting director Oliver Kreuzer. "We know he appeals to many clubs, but he's alright here in Hamburg and he sees his immediate future with us and not with other clubs. We are optimistic about reaching an agreement."
In other news, Metro claims Manchester United have their eyes on a wizard, but it's not believed to be Gandalf. Rather the paper says the once great Old Trafford outfit have identified Dorin Rotariu as the player to weave some magic in the second half of the season.
Described by Metro as a "wing wizard", the 18-year-old Dinamo Bucharest winger has been in stellar form this season and now United manager David Moyes intends to make a move for Rotariu in the New Year.
Finally, Italian sources report that AC Milan defender Cristian Zapata has rubbished suggestions he could be poised to move to Old Trafford in the New Year. In recent weeks rumours have emerged linking the 27-year-old Colombian to Manchester United. It was even claimed that England coach Phil Neville had run the rule over Zapata on United's behalf.
But asked if he was set to move to England and mid-table mediocrity, the strapping six-footer replied: "I do not know anything. I am just thinking about Milan. I have a contract until 2016 and I want to stay here."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Geoff Capes obituary: shot-putter who became the World’s Strongest Man
In the Spotlight The 'mighty figure' was a two-time Commonwealth Champion and world-record holder
By The Week UK Published
-
Israel attacks Iran: a 'limited' retaliation
Talking Point Iran's humiliated leaders must decide how to respond to Netanyahu's measured strike
By The Week UK Published
-
Crossword: November 2, 2024
The Week's daily crossword puzzle
By The Week Staff Published
-
English football and the etiquette of leaving the stadium early
Talking Point The belief that 'true fans stay to the end' does not always apply
By The Week UK Published
-
Premier League: Man City vs. Arsenal predictions
feature What the pundits say about tonight’s title race showdown at the Etihad
By Mike Starling Last updated
-
Pros and cons of VAR in football
Pros and Cons String of mistakes has put new technology under the microscope
By Chas Newkey-Burden Published
-
Can Arsenal really win the Premier League title?
feature How the pundits reacted after the Gunners’ late 3-2 victory over Man Utd
By Mike Starling Published
-
Tottenham vs. Arsenal predictions: race for the Premier League top four
feature Expect a ‘seismic’ north London derby with Champions League qualification on the line
By Mike Starling Published
-
Mason Greenwood: footballer arrested on suspicion of rape and assault
Speed Read Man Utd confirm the striker will not train or play until further notice
By The Week Staff Published
-
Handball: swapping bikini bottoms for tight pants
Speed Read Women competitors will be required to ‘wear short tight pants with a close fit’
By The Week Staff Published
-
Cristiano Ronaldo’s second coming
Speed Read Last week, Manchester United re-signed the forward on a two-year deal thought to be worth more than £400,000 a week
By The Week Staff Last updated