Arsenal And Manchester City Set for Pre-World Cup Battle For Di Maria

Arsenal and Manchester City are ready to fight with French big spenders Paris Saint Germain and Monaco to secure the services of Real Madrid winger Angel Di Maria.

The Argentinian international was very close to leaving the Spanish giants during the last transfer window after fallen out of favour with Real after he confronting his own fans during a game against Celta Vigo.

However, manager Carlo Ancelotti blocked his exit and following Sami Khedira's injury Di Maria has become a key player – having started 26 La Liga games.

But according to Marca, some Real officials are still keen on selling him this summer with Premier League giants Arsenal and City are all preparing bids of around €40m for the Argentinian international .

The Spanish newspaper claims that the possible buyers are trying to close the deal before the World Cup - with that fear that a good performance in Brazil might increase his valuation.

Nevertheless, Di Maria is working to recover from injury ahead of the Champions League final on 24 May and with the World Cup on the horizon he doesn't want to focus on future - even though he may consider a move away.

Following Gareth Bale's arrival, Ancelotti has used Di Maria as a midfielder alongside Luka Modric and Xabi Alonso but Real are keen on replacing him with a more consistent choice for that role as Juventus star Paul Pogba.