According to a report in Metro, Arsenal could reportedly be ready to launch a bid for Real Madrid’s unsettled Argentine winger Angel Di Maria for a fee in the region of £26 million, and in turn help the Spanish giants finance part of their deal with Tottenham Hotspur for their imminent world record signing of Welsh star Gareth Bale.

Madrid have again dominated headlines in the footballing world during the course of the ongoing transfer window, after their bid to sign Spurs star Bale for a world record signing fee in excess of the £83 million that cost them the transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United. Arsenal are themselves in dire need of a few transfers, after manager Arsene Wenger being the subject of heavy flak from the experts and supporters. However, the squad have pulled themselves together, with a run of impressive form this week. The Gunners have performed better away from home as compared to their form at the Emirates Stadium, and this worried the supporters a bit, but their recent two wins against Fenerbache and Fulham has raised the spirits in the camp. Lukas Podolski has been subject of transfer speculation, with a loan move to Schalke on the cards, but his brace against the London rivals has earned him praise from Wenger, and could mean that the German stays at the club for the rest of the season.

Di Maria has been praised for his talent with his left foot, but has lost his way at the Spanish capital ever since his move from Benfica. The winger was part of the squad former boss Mourinho played to win the La Liga title in the Portuguese’s first season at the club, but inconsistent performances over the next seasons meant Di Maria found himself on the bench more often than not.

With the impending arrival of Bale from Spurs, the deal will certainly put Di Maria in a spot, especially with the FIFA World Cup next year in his native continent. A move to Arsenal would ensure first team football, as the Gunners are lacking an out-and-out winger.