Lionel Messi has reportedly urged Barcelona to make a summer move for compatriot Angel Di Maria.
Spanish publication Don Balon have reported that Barcelona are keen to sign Angel Di Maria from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer transfer window, with his Argentina captain, Lionel Messi also urging the club to do the same.
Di Maria has been regarded as one of the best attackers in the world for a long time now, having played an instrumental role in the success of Real Madrid, before a failed big money move to Manchester United was followed by a switch to current club, PSG.
The Argentina international enjoyed a stellar debut campaign with Les Parisiens as he scored 15 goals and provided 25 assists in 47 appearances across all competitions last season. However, 2016/17 hasn’t quite been as fruitful for Di Maria, as the arrival of Unai Emery has seen him go in and out of the side from time to time.
And while Di Maria has turned in some tremendous performances over the course of the season, he has often frustrated with his inconsistencies. In all, the 29-year-old has made 41 appearances across all competitions, scoring 14 goals while providing 15 assists in the process.
And after just two seasons with PSG it is believed that Di Maria could already be on his way out of Parc des Princes. Should that happen, it is likely that his next destination will be Barcelona, as the Catalan club are eager to secure his services in the summer.
In fact, Barcelona have been eyeing him for a long time now and have made the player one of their top priorities for the summer. The Blaugranas have also been urged by the team’s talisman, Lionel Messi to go all out for Di Maria in the summer, as it would improve the side significantly.
It is being mooted that Messi would move to a deeper role next season, which would open up a place on the right wing. If that indeed happens, Di Maria would be a top notch signing for Barcelona, with the attacking quartet having the potential to become one of the most fearsome ones in the world.
Di Maria would also bring a previous experience of playing in La Liga, having enjoyed his best years with Real Madrid. And at 29, he would give his best years to Barcelona, making for the perfect solution in attack for the club to dominate club competitions in the next few seasons.
Di Maria still has more than two years remaining on his current deal with PSG, and he is likely to command a sizable fee in the summer. It now remains to be seen if a move indeed materialises as Barcelona brace themselves for a summer full of transfer activities.
