The breaking news that Arda Turan has signed for Barcelona from Atlético Madrid in spite of the Catalan club’s transfer ban may well set in motion an intense transfer battle for Benfica’s Argentine midfielder Nicolás Gaitán. In one corner, Turan’s former club, Atlético Madrid and in the other Manchester United with both reportedly making enquiries to the Portuguese champions over the 27-year-old’s availability.

Hard-working Turkish midfielder Arda Turan has for some weeks now been linked with a move away from the Vicente Caldarón and with a host of Europe’s top clubs linked it is La Liga champions and Champions League holders, Barcelona who have won his signature. This comes as a blow to Atlético but after playing a huge part in Los Colchoneros title winning side of 2013/14 few could begrudge the 28-year-old a move away, even if it is to a direct rival.

Argentine coach, Diego Simeone must now replace Turan and it has been reported for several weeks now that top of that list is Benfica’s Nicolás Gaitán. The former Boca playmaker has spent five years in Portugal and after another trophy-laden year, lifting his second league title, it is a decent time for Gaitán to step-up. Perhaps unfortunate to be overlooked by Argentina for the Copa América, at 27, Gaitán is running out of opportunities to impress internationally and a move to one of Europe’s bigger leagues would certainly help him achieve this.

Last week Atlético discussed a potential deal but have so far been unable to agree with Benfica, who staunchly refuse to budge on the €35 million buyout clause in Gaitán’s contract. It would appear that Simeone’s side do not quite agree on this valuation and although fellow Argentine Ángel Correa’s name was mentioned as a possible make-weight in the deal, Benfica seem intent on getting their money.

This may open the door for another long-term admirer of Gaitán’s – Manchester United. Since before Louis van Gaal, United have been linked with the Argentine and these rumours have resurfaced this summer with the Dutch coach preparing his side for life back in the Champions League and for a Premier League title challenge.

Gaitán’s agent has stoked these rumours telling Portuguese radio “Anything is possible as the negotiations are pending. We are waiting for the Manchester United hierarchy to respond and other than that I cannot do anything more.” This and the fact that Benfica appear only willing to deal in cash have also made United favourites for the players signature as it stands. Whether it is to Manchester or Madrid, the transfer of Gaitán at this point looks inevitable.

A successful move to either league would increase his chances of getting back into the Argentina squad and with another Copa América in 2016, and La Albiceleste looking to shake things up a little after the latest disappointment, now might be a good time.