The opening Bayern Munich offer for Matthijs de Ligt of €60m plus bonuses was rejected, but negotiations continue with Juventus, leaving behind Chelsea and Manchester City.
Bayern director Hasan Salihamidzic made a flying visit to Turin this afternoon, where he had meetings with both the Bianconeri and agent Rafaela Pimenta.
He has already returned to Munich, where he spoke to reporters and kept fairly tight-lipped.
“We talked, now we’ll see what happens. I would like to tell you more, but I can’t. The important thing is to talk, now we’ll see what comes from it.”
According to Bild in Germany, the initial offer made to Juventus is €60m plus up to €10m in various add-ons.
Italian sources state that has already been rejected, but the gap between demand and offer is perhaps not as big as some might think.
While Juve were demanding €100m from Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United, they realise Bayern Munich are not going to hit that figure.
Sportitalia transfer expert Alfredo Pedullà maintains the deal could be struck for €75-80m plus bonuses that would reach €90m.
It’s still a considerable difference, but not as extreme as originally thought.
De Ligt has agreed personal terms with Bayern, said to be over €10m per season, and believes in the project at the Bundesliga club.
Talks are set to continue and this was only the starting step.