Juventus general manager Beppe Marotta has confirmed that the Bianconeri are planning a transfer swoop for Bayern Munich playmaker Mario Gotze.
As reported by ESPN, the Juve chief has acknowledged the Old Lady’s interest in the World Cup-winner, but admitted that, as yet, the Champions League runners up are yet to make a bid for the player.
“Gotze has a profile with the characteristics we are looking for, but we have not started any negotiations with Bayern,” Marotta began, speaking at a news conference at Turin.
“All we have done is made an enquiry. We have a good relationship with the Germans.”
The two clubs currently in the process of doing business, as Juve’s Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal is on the verge of moving to join Pep Guardiola’s Bayern on a £28 million deal [The Guardian].
“Should they or the player express a desire to change, then we will be the first to seek a meeting to evaluate his signing,” Marotta concluded, discussing a potential move for Gotze.
Should Juve move for the player, they may face considerable competition from the Premier League.
The Star Sport report that both Manchester United and Arsenal are keen on the attacking midfielder, and Gotze—who scored nine goals and contributed two assists in 32 league appearances last term.
The 23-year-old was in fine fettle once again during Bayern’s 1-0 pre-season friendly victory over Inter Milan on Tuesday.
As he did in the World Cup final, Gotze scored the only goal of the game; racing through onto a beautiful pass from Sebastian Rode before finishing calmly past Juan Pablo Carrizo.
Check out Gotze’s quality effort below:
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