Real Madrid trio set for Premier League switch
La Liga appearance-less Iker Casillas, injured Sami Khedira and unsettled Angel di Maria are all set to be put up for sale by Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti.
Defensive midfielder Khedira will reportedly be a Manchester United (7/1 for a top four league finish) transfer target again in the summer, after a move at the beginning of the season failed to materialise.
The German destroyer has been a regular for Madrid (barring injury) since joining in 2010 from home town club Stuttgart, and his never-ending stamina and unselfish ball-winning abilities have allowed flair players the freedom to be more expressive.
Khedira, however, is susceptible to injury, and is currently out for six months due to an anterior cruciate ligament tear in an international friendly with Italy on November 15th. United have had a few key names out for spells this season as it is, so would David Moyes want to risk recruiting another fragile player?
Spain’s record cap holder Casillas (152) has endured two seasons of hurt to his ego, after being continuously overlooked at the expense of Diego Lopez – who at the same age as his colleague has played for his country just once.
Goalkeeping legend Casillas has been restricted to just playing in the Champions League and Copa del Rey this season for Madrid – where he has been since 1990 – and has taken no part in any La Liga matches.
Title-chasers Arsenal (9/1 to win) could come to the rescue of the 32-year-old, and as current number one Wojciech Szczesny has still not completely convinced fans at the Emirates, signing a player of Casillas’ status would show England and Europe they mean business.
Arsene Wenger is set to lose Lukasz Fabianski at the end of the season, while Emiliano Viviano will return to parent club Palermo, leaving the keeper position very bare.
Argentine winger Di Maria has also been linked with a move to England, with the Gunners’ north London rivals Tottenham the reported destination.
Spurs spent over £100m last summer after selling Gareth Bale to Madrid for a world record £85m fee. However, many of the players have failed to impress in the league especially, including the likes of Erik Lamela, Roberto Soldado and Nacer Chadli.
Di Maria, 26, has been tried and tested for one of Europe’s top teams, and he would be a quality addition to provide Spurs with much-needed creativity and attacking threat. He has contributed with nine goals and 14 assists in 34 appearances in all competitions for Madrid this season.
Tim Sherwood’s side are currently chasing a Champions League position (odds of 2/1 to finish in top four) and getting Di Maria’s experience will be a real boost if they play in Europe’s elite competition next year.
