Mario Mandzukic is likely to complete a transfer from Atletico Madrid to Juventus according to reports in the Italian media.
Several newspapers in Italy are claiming that a deal has been agreed and both parties are happy with the €18 million fee. Juve will pay €15 million up front and the rest depending on Mandzukic’s performances in Turin.
Carlos Tevez was expected to be included in the deal from early negotiations as Diego Simeone chased his Argentine compatriot, but the former Manchester United striker now appears to be heading to Boca Juniors.
General Director at Juventus, Beppe Marotta, will fly to Madrid to finalise the deal which could see the Croatian international earn up to €3.5 million per year.
Mandzukic only joined Atletico last summer from Bayern Munich for around €22 million, and featured sporadically under Simeone as the club failed to retain their La Liga title. He scored 20 goals in 43 matches but fellow newbie Antoine Griezmann was favoured as the lone striker ahead of the tall Croat.
One bright moment for Mandzukic was his winning goal for Atletico in the Super Copa Final against Real Madrid, his only piece of silverware during a difficult season for himself and his club. He will now surely link up with former Real forward Alvaro Morata at the Italian Champions.
