Real Madrid: Ozil and Di Maria spark memories of the summer of ’09

With Liverpool refusing to buckle on their quest to keep hold of Suarez however, partnered with Benzema’s fruitful start to a season in which he has netted in both of Madrid’s opening two matches, it appears likely that the Frenchman will remain in place to spearhead Ancelotti’s attack for at least another year.

Gareth Bale’s arrival might change things

Bale’s imminent signing will not directly effect Benzema but it will have a baring on the future of Angel Di Maria, the right winger who Bale is likely to replace on the opposite flank to Cristiano Ronaldo. Di Maria, like Ozil, is also a popular member of the Bernabeu squad and it has been Ronaldo who has publicly pledged this summer to do his best to ensure the Argentine winger stays in the capital.

Having arrived from Benfica for €25 million in 2010 and lying on a €50,000 weekly contract until 2018, Ronaldo may find his wishes fall on deaf ears as Perez sees in Di Maria another opportunity to recoup a big fee with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United being reportedly chasing the 25-year-old.

Di Maria made 139 appearances during his 3 year spell in Madrid, scoring 25 goals and assisting 53, his pace and direct tendency to cut in from his usual station on the right side proving hugely vital to the frenetic counter-attacking style deployed by Jose Mourinho.

There will be no shortage of suitors should the Argentine become available and there is a chance his future could follow that of Arjen Robben, the former jet-heeled resident of Real’s right-flank who was sold on the deadline day of 2009 in contrast to the wishes of the Dutchman and then-coach Manuel Pellegrini who wanted the player to remain in Madrid.

Robben was one of the players moved out of the Bernabeu back in 2009 as the club aimed to balance the books after the club broke their transfer record twice with Kaka and Ronaldo on their way to a total summer spend of over £172 million. The winger was sold to Bayern Munich alongside fellow Dutchman Wesley Sneijder who left for Inter Milan, and both appeared in the Champions League final of the following Spring, Sneijder eventually winning it with Inter.

It is Di Maria and Ozil who are likely to be the cast-offs from Galatico land this time round and anybody who remembers the summer of 2009 will be well informed to make a move for Madrid’s next batch of unwanted talent.

Perez and Ancelotti have been more than willing to cash out but clubs should remain on high alert should they decide to cash in.