Manchester United and Arsenal Receive Boost In Di Maria Chase

Manchester United and Arsenal have been handed a significant boost in their attempt to sign Angel Di Maria, with reports in Spain claiming the Argentinian international has already told Real Madrid officials he is likely to move away this summer.

Di Maria's future at the Santiago Bernabeu has been under increasing scrutiny since Gareth Bale's arrival last summer. Even though he eventually managed to cement a place in Carlo Ancelotti's starting-line up by adapting to a deeper role – leaving his favoured position for the former Tottenham star - he believes the club don't value him highly enough and according to AS he is ready to leave.

Indeed, Di Maria himself recently refused to commit his future to the Santiago Bernabeu with reports claiming Manchester United, Arsenal, City, Juventus and Monaco are all set to battle for his services.

"I still don't know if I'll stay at Real Madrid. I'm happy, but we'll see what happens," he said.

Furthermore, Di Maria recently heaped praise on Barcelona star Lionel Messi, with AS suggesting his comments are a clear show of contempt towards Real teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Messi is the best player in the World. What he does nobody does" Di Maria said.

Arsene Wenger reportedly tried to secure Di Maria last summer, and only moved for Mesut Ozil when the approach was rebuffed.

Meanwhile, Louis van Gaal is likely to want a top winger in his squad, given his fondness for a 4-3-3 formation with two wide men.

We understand that Real Madrid have given Di Maria a €50m (£40m) price tag but Monaco are currently leading the race for his signature, as the Ligue 1 club could sweeten the deal by including either James Rodriguez or Rafamel Falcao as part of the deal.