Chelsea Cool on Di Maria Leaving Man City Front-Runners

Tuesday, 24th November 2009

Chelsea are reported to have dropped out of the race for Benfica winger Angel Di Maria, leaving Manchester City as front-runners for the Argentina international’s signature.

British paper the Daily Telegraph states that the Blues have been put off by Benfica’s insistance that any buying club must meet Di Maria’s buy-out clause, which currently stands at a sizeable £36M.

The Portuguese giants are also keen to push through any transfer in January, firstly because they are aware Di Maria’s buy-out clause will drop at the end of the season, and secondly because they feel Simao Sabrosa can be brought home from Atletico Madrid in the winter window.

With Manchester City set to lose Robinho, the Eastlands club may feel bringing Di Maria to the Premier League in January would be a good trade-off to make.

Latest Features: