Chelsea check on Benfica trio with Angel di Maria top of shopping list

04 November 2009 11:45
London calling: Di Maria could head for Chelsea[LNB]Chelsea sporting director Frank Arnesen has reportedly made personal checks on Benfica star Angel di Maria and is also keen on two of the forward's club-mates. [LNB]Arnesen, who is charge of player recruitment at Stamford Bridge, has been spotted watching the Portuguese giants in recent weeks, with midfielder Javi Garcia and forward Fabio Coentrao also said to be on his radar. [LNB]The trio have release clauses worth a combined £90million, but Chelsea would expect to pay less for the Benfica players. [LNB]Di Maria, 21, has recently been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge and would welcome the challenge of testing himself in a stronger league. [LNB]The former Rosario Central player has impressed at the Estadio da Luz and starred in Benfica's 5-0 victory over Everton a fortnight ago. [LNB]He has started to break into Diego Maradona's Argentina side after helping the Olympic side to gold in Beijing last year. [LNB]  Di Maria is one of the most desirable talents in Europe, having also been linked to Real Madrid, Manchester United and City, and alone has a release clause of £36m. [LNB]Portugal youth international Coentrao, 22, had a trial at Chelsea when his compatriot Jose Mourinho was at the club and has also been linked to Manchester United in the past. [LNB]Former Real Madrid midfielder Garcia, 22, has also been linked to Liverpool and Everton. [LNB]Portuguese newspaper A Bola reports that all three could end up at Stamford Bridge if Chelsea manage to beat the transfer ban imposed by FIFA.  [LNB] Chelsea don't worry us but we must beware of the Drog, says NevilleFergie: Forget it Rafa and Arsene, the title race is between me and CarloAtletico 2 Chelsea 2: Aguero crashes Drogba's big night but Blues progress Chelsea aren't the real deal, insists Carlo - but Blues look a class actSir Alex calls for UEFA to change rules after ref justice for United star FletcherBenitez inspired by Anfield's anthem as his side prepare for must-win gameCHELSEA FC

Source: Daily_Mail