Barcelona are considering Angel di Maria as an alternative to Leeds United star Raphinha as they struggle to reach an agreement for the Brazilian.
That’s according to Sport, who say the Argentine is a ‘real alternative’ to Raphinha as Leeds continue to demand more than €50m for their prized asset.
The newspaper reports that Barcelona’s economic situation has forced them to lower their expectations when it comes to signings and thus turn their attention elsewhere.
Raphinha was one of their number one targets, particularly if they had to replace Ousmane Dembele, who is yet to commit to a new deal and is likely to depart the Camp Nou.
That’s a figure Barcelona cannot afford, particularly when they are determined to get a deal for Robert Lewandowski over the line as well.
Thus, they’ve had to turn their attention elsewhere for possible Dembele replacements, and the idea of signing Di Maria is ‘gaining momentum’.
He is available on a free transfer but provides proven quality and can still cut it at the top of the game despite being 34-years-old.
Those are all big plus points as far as Barcelona are concerned, and they may now turn their attention away from Raphinha if negotiations with Leeds continue to be difficult.
