Argentinian star Angel Di Maria (right), seen here playing at the U20 World Cup, is being chased by ArsenalArsène Wenger has continued his policy of signing the hottest young talent in South America with the acquisition of two teenage stars, Angel Di Maria and Pedro. The pair will follow Carlos Vela and spend next season on loan at the Spanish club Salamanca. Arsenal struck an accord with the Second Division club as a means of giving them a European base to cream off some of the world's best young players. The relationship began with Vela - a Mexican striker - being "parked" at Salamanca last season as he did not have the qualifications necessary to gain a work permit. Wenger has yet to decide whether Vela will stay in Spain next season.
One of his two latest signings, Pedro, a 17-year-old Brazilian who can play at left-back or at left-midfield was presented by Salamanca yesterday. The club said he will train with them, then spend two weeks at Arsenal before returning to Brazil until October. Then he will be Salamanca's player for the rest of the season.
Pedro, who can also play in attack, has already featured for the first-team of the Brazilian club Figueirense but it is Di Maria who is currently regarded as the more exciting prospect by the Arsenal scout Giles Grimandi who has watched the 19-year-old at the Under-20 World Championships in Canada.
In addition to the pair and Vela, Wenger has already also signed the Brazilian Denilson, who has made the first team at Arsenal, as he pursues a policy of targeting South America.
The American billionaire Stan Kroenke, meanwhile, has increased the pressure on the Arsenal board by stating publically that he wants further talks on the club's future.
Kroenke holds a 12 per cent stake in Arsenal and refused to sign an agreement that he would not mount a formal bid within the next year when he recently met chairman Peter Hill-Wood and managing director Keith Edelman.