Atletico Madrid striker Mario Mandzukic has agreed to join Juventus
Atletico Madrid are thought to have agreed a £13m fee from Juventus for Croatia forward Mario Mandzukic, according to reports coming out of Italy. Juventus will pay £11m up front with a further £2m to follow in add-ons.
This will come as a major blow for English sides Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United who were all linked with the powerful striker.
Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri, who guided the Italian giants to a domestic league and cup double, had earlier revealed his admiration for the Croatian. “I like Mandzukic, he is a great striker for a team that continually attacks," he said.
He also said: “Mandzukic scored goals in all competitions he has played. He has character and is of international standard and will do well. We have signed him because he was the one we wanted. I'm very happy because it has been our choice."
The 6’2” attacker had joined Atletico Madrid from Bayern Munich just last season. After initially performing well for the Rojiblancos, Mandzukic couldn’t find his form in the second half of the season. He finished with 20 goals in 43 appearances in his debut season for the club.
The Turin giants look to have beaten stiff competition for Mandzukic’s signature as they are resigned to losing Argentine international Carlos Tevez. The former Manchester United and Manchester City striker has been an integral part of the club during his stay but has expressed his desire to return to Argentina’s Boca Juniors, where he started his career.