News hitting the "stands" is that Spanish Club Atletico de Madrid & Italian Champions Juventus FC have shut the transfer operation of Croatian forward Mario Mandzukic. The transfer is around 18M€ minus what Atletico still owns Bayern Munich.
Mandzukic has not really fit in with the style of play of Atletico de Madrid Coach Simeone, plus the imminent expected arrival of Villarreal forward Vietto has opened the doors for the Croatian. Juventus speed up the operation once it was clear the forward Carlos Tevez was out, thus Mandzukic now competes for a place along with the two Spaniards Morata & Fernando Llorente. The latter may think about moving elsewhere himself as Llorente & Mandzukic are of a similar profile.
Thanking Mandzukic for his services to At. Madrid & I wish him luck.
It is hot news currently coming out from Germany, via "Bild", the English Press & racing around the social media channels. According to all of them Spanish Football Club & Liga Champions Atletico de Madrid is very close to shutting (or has already) the transfer-signing of Croatian International & Bayern Munich forward Mario Mandzukic.
In fact German paper "Bild" has gone further & says the deal is done. I personally however advise caution & await official Clubs announcements.
The details published say the operation will cost the Spanish Football Club 22M€. The 28 year old has been offered a contract until 2019, that is, three years more than his current Club Bayern Munich.
If all of the above is true, Mandzukic knocks back offers from the English Premier League. While the speculation-rumour that Manchester City Spanish International forward Alvaro Negredo was to be the new At.Madrid signing also falls.
The Spanish Club needs to fill the gap left behind in its squad with the transfer of Diego Costa to Chelsea FC. Local Football observers cite that Atletico de Madrid Coach Diego Simeone likes the profile & characteristics of Mario Mandzukic who scored 18 goals in the German League last season.
Stay tuned for an official confirmation.
