Barcelona target set to undergo medical with Juventus next week | OneFootball

Angel Di Maria was a serious topic at Barcelona not too long ago. With Ousmane Dembele’s contract coming to an end, the Argentine international was one of the club’s desired options to replace the explosive winger.

Although Leeds United starlet Raphinha was Barcelona’s top target, the club had fancied a move for Di Maria as well, particularly due to his status as a free agent.

However, as per reports from Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Diario SPORT), Di Maria is currently on the verge of joining Juventus. He is set to travel to Turin to complete his medical in the coming days, having reached personal agreement with the club.

Di Maria’s priority was to join Barcelona ahead of the new season. Head coach Xavi Hernandez was reportedly fond of the Argentine as well, due to his experience and skill in the final third.

While Barcelona themselves were interested, for a time, the club’s president Joan Laporta was not on board with the idea. The player’s history with Real Madrid, coupled with his age and a hefty salary package acted as primary reasons for the club’s decision to abandon the pursuit.

WIth a move to Camp Nou no longer an option, Di Maria has agreed terms with Juventus. He is currently on vacation in Ibiza, but will soon travel to Italy.

Barcelona, meanwhile, are likely to step up their efforts to sign Raphinha. They are reportedly considering matching Chelsea’s offer for the Brazilian lately, though it remains to be seen whether Leeds United recognise the bid.

Raphinha himself is determined to join the Catalans, with his agent Deco trying his best to stall a move to Chelsea. The situation could become clearer in the coming weeks, as Barcelona put pressure on Leeds to release their star man to Catalunya.