Chelsea are thought to be preparing a £15 million bid for Benfica winger Angel Di Maria.
The Argentine international has previously been linked with
Liverpool and
Manchester United, but now the
Blues are the leading contenders to sign the attacking midfielder, providing their 18 month transfer ban is lifted by FIFA.
Chelsea director of football Frank Arnesen has visited the Estadio da Luz on several occasions over the previous weeks, with winger Di Maria on the top of his player target list.
Arnesen has also suggested Javi Garcia and Fabio Coentrao to boss Carlo Ancelotti, according to reports in the Portuguese press, and January bids could follow if the transfer embargo is lifted by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Arnesen said: "These are good players and we need to know details about this type of footballer."
DI Maria has been in fine form for his club side, including a fine performance in the 5-0 Europa League victory over Premier League
Everton a fortnight ago. One of the top European talents, the 21-year-old has a minimum fee release clause of £36 million.
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