Angel Di Maria edging closer towards Benfica return | OneFootball

Benfica are closing in on signing Argentine winger Angel Di Maria on a free transfer, reports Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The 35-year-old announced his departure from Juventus earlier this month after just one season in Serie A.

Di Maria has been the subject of interest from Saudi Arabian clubs and Major League Soccer outfit Inter Miami, where he would reunite with his compatriot Lionel Messi.

However, Benfica are keen on Di Maria and are now one step away from securing his services, with negotiations for a one-year deal in the final stage.

Despite a turbulent season with the Bianconeri, Di Maria had his moments – such as his stellar hat trick against Nantes in the Europa League.

However, his crowning moment of the season was winning the World Cup with Argentina.

Di Maria played a big part by scoring in the final against France.

The former Paris Saint-Germain star wanted to remain in Europe and is set for his second spell with Benfica.

Di Maria spent three years between 2007 and 2010 with the Portuguese giants before representing Real Madrid, Manchester United and PSG.

Benfica recently announced the arrival of Turkish midfielder Orkun Kukcu from Feyenoord for a club-record fee of €30 million.

They are also set to lose teenage prodigy Cher Ndour, who has an agreement to join Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain.

Di Maria will strengthen the forward line, which consists of Goncalo Ramos, David Neres and Andreas Schjelderup.

The Argentine forward will join his World Cup-winning teammate Nicolas Otamendi at Benfica, who has recently extended his contract until 2025.