Arsenal have reportedly stepped up their interest in Real Madrid winger Angel Di Maria by making a formal offer for the Argentine.
Manager Arsene Wenger, who has been tracking the 26-year-old winger since last summer, is believed to be in a hurry to seal the deal as the in-demand midfielder is also being pursued by many other top clubs including Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, Manchester United and Juventus, according to the Express.
Despite all the interest, Real Madrid are reportedly eager to keep Di Maria at the Bernabeu as he played a very big hand in their success, helping the Los Blancos win the Copa Del Rey as well as the Champions League this season.
It is believed Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti as well as Portuguese star forward Cristiano Ronaldo both want Di Maria, who scored four goals and made 17 assists in 34 La Liga games last season, to stay this summer.
However, many reports in Argentina suggest Di Maria may be looking to make a move out of the Bernabeu this summer despite still having four more years remaining on his current contract with Real Madrid.
"It is true that he is leaving because he wants to go. It is very likely that he will leave before the end of the World Cup in Brazil," a source close to Di Maria told UOL Sport.
Therefore, Arsenal, who were able to successfully lure Mesut Ozil from Real to the Emirates last summer, are reportedly quickly looking to make a move before they get into a bidding war with other clubs.
While some reports claim free spending French sides Monaco and PSG have also made offers for the Argentinean, others suggest Manchester United, Manchester City and Juventus also remain in the hunt.
"Arsenal, PSG and Monaco have all made concrete offers for Angel. But there is still interest from Manchester City, Manchester United and Juventus," added the source.
Meanwhile Arsenal have reportedly been handed a boost in their pursuit of Loic Remy after the French striker revealed he would like to be involved in Champions League football next season.
The £8 million-rated Queens Park Rangers forward has attracted a lot of attention after he enjoyed an excellent season with Newcastle United, scoring 14 goals in 26 Premier League games.
Although Newcastle have stated their desire to sign the striker on a permanent basis, the Frenchman is reportedly exploring other options after recent interests from Tottenham and Arsenal.
"The World Cup is a showcase for me. Newcastle want to buy me. I do not know if I'll stay there. I'm at a turning point in my career. It can push forward or stagnate," Remy was quoted as saying by the Express.