"They are one of the teams that are interested in me"- Angel Di Maria drops hint on future with Barcelona and Juventus interested
Outgoing PSG winger Angel Di Maria has revealed that Barcelona and Juventus are interested in signing him this summer. The 34-year-old is set to become a free agent after the expiration of his contract with the Ligue 1 giants on June 30. The Argentine has claimed that he is currently 'focusing on holidays and family' but is expected to make a decision on his future in the coming weeks.
Di Maria has scored 93 goals and provided 119 assists in 295 appearances for PSG, and has helped them win five Ligue 1 titles, five Coupe de France titles, and four Coupe de la Ligue titles. Although 34 now, Di Maria is still capable of producing moments of magic.
Juventus are going through a transition phase under Massimiliano Allegri. The Italian led the club to a fourth-place finish in Serie A last season and will be eager to continue bolstering his squad this summer.
Di Maria could be a potential replacement for Paulo Dybala, who is set to leave the club this summer after the expiration of his contract.
Barcelona, on the other hand, are a club seemingly on the rise under Xavi Hernandez. The club are eager to bolster their attack this summer and could be in the market for a winger to replace Ousmane Dembele, whose contract expires at the end of the month.
Speaking about his future, the Argentine international said:
"Juventus are the biggest club in Italy, they are one of the teams that are interested in me. Right now, I'm thinking, but I'm focusing on holidays and family. FC Barcelona, a possible destination? Barca, yes, it's one of the best clubs in the world too," Di Maria told ESPN Argentina.
Angel Di Maria has also said that he is open to joining Barcelona despite being a former Real Madrid player and the rivalry between the two clubs.
"The two clubs have always opposed (note, Real Madrid and Barca), and it was fair to note that at time Barca was spectacular and that they were dominating, but hey, as I told you, I think it's also one of the best clubs in the world and I would also like to play there."
The 34-year-old winger spent five successful seasons at the Santiago Bernabeu, helping them win a La Liga title, two Copa del Rey's, and a Champions League title during his spell.
However, the 34-year-old parted ways with Los Blancos on bad terms when he made the move to Manchester United in 2014 as he claimed that he never wanted to leave Real Madrid but was forced out of the club.
Angel Di María has been waiting for Barcelona to give him a contract proposal, but they have not contacted him so far. He is stalling on Juventus' offer, but the Italian club demand a reply this week.
— @sport https://t.co/fBe3F3SJM0
Angel Di Maria could prove to be an economical option for both Barcelona and Juventus
Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski has been heavily linked with a move to Camp Nou. The Polish hitman is widely considered one of the best forwards of his generation. The 33-year-old has made clear his desire to leave the German giants despite having a year left on his contract as he seeks a new challenge.
As per Sport, Bayern Munich are seeking €50 million for the Pole. Barcelona are currently facing debts totalling up to €1.5 billion and could therefore struggle to match the Bundesliga champions' asking price.
Ángel Di María will give his official response to Juventus' offer in the coming hours. The option to play for Barça is the one that has appealed him and his family the most.
❗Ángel Di María will give his official response to Juventus' offer in the coming hours. The option to play for Barça is the one that has appealed him and his family the most. https://t.co/0UZHXAApUq
Leeds United forward Raphina has reportedly agreed personal terms with Barcelona as per the Sun, but the Catalan club lack the finances required to meet the Premier League club's €55 million asking price.
They will therefore be keen to beat Juventus in the race to sign Angel Di Maria, who is a free agent this summer. The 34-year-old will also add some much-needed experience to a youthful-looking Barcelona squad.