Italian Serie A champions Juventus FC have roped in Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic from Atletico Madrid for a transfer fee of a 18m, according to reports in Italy.
Mario Mandzukic was linked with a move to several Premier League clubs, the most prominent names being Manchester United and Liverpool. The striker had joined Atletico Madrid last season from Bayern Munich after the German giants had signed Robert Lewandowski. Since joining the La Liga side, Mandzukic has been a regular member of the starting lineup. He played 28 La Liga games for Atletico scoring 12 times and provided 5 assists. By the end of the season, many top clubs in the world had shown interest in signing the talented striker. Juventus finally have agreed upon a sizable transfer fee with Atletico Madrid to rope in the forward.
A few days back it was reported that Juventus and Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon had a conversation with the 29-year-old striker. The legendary custodian had urged him to reject United’s offer and join Juventus this summer. Atletico manager Diego Simeone too hinted that they may release Mario Mandzukic as he was not happy with the striker’s inconsistent performance. a He annoys me easily, thata s the reality. He is a great player and a decent lad. He himself is down about not maintaining the form he displayed up until February,a Simeone said.
Transfer Talk: Juve agree Mandzukic deal http://t.co/FBrTa7iKqr
a Goal (@goal_intl) June 19, 2015
Juventus and Atletico Madrid reportedly agree to a 18-million deal for Mario Mandzukic. http://t.co/rXWzlgvv8C pic.twitter.com/lqguqYZCL8
a theScore (@theScore) June 18, 2015
Mandzukic to #Juventus! Done deal: agreement reached tonight in Madrid, 15Ma to Atl tico Madrid and contract until 2019 for him #transfers
a Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 18, 2015
Mandzukic’s inclusion in the team will be a great boost for the Italian giants. Juventus are reportedly going to sell Argentine international Carlos Tevez. Clubs like Boca Juniors and Atletico Madrid are keen on roping in the forward. Mario Mandzukic for Carlos Tevez is almost a like for like replacement for both Atletico Madrid and Juventus. Tevez had scored 20 goals last season in the Serie A in 32 appearances and provided 7 assists. Mario Mandzukic’s style is almost similar to the Argentine. He has a very sharp eye for a goal and can guarantee 15 or more goals in a season for Juventus.
Atletico Madrid ideally should try and rope in Carlos Tevez from Juventus who will surely bolster Simeone’s squad. The manager had spoke about his admiration for Tevez a few days back according to media reports.
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