Juventus full-back Danilo has emerged as a transfer target for Bayern Munich, but the Bianconeri have rejected the Bavarians’ initial approach.
Danilo joined the club in 2019 as part of an exchange with Manchester City that saw Joao Cancelo move in the opposite direction. The Brazilian endured an indifferent debut campaign before emerging as a key player during Andrea Pirlo’s season-long reign.
The versatile full-back racked up almost 3,000 minutes of Serie A action last term across 34 appearances, notching a goal and four assists in the process.
His position appeared secure at Juventus for 2021/22, but Bayern’s intrigue may well alter Danilo’s future.
Bayern’s interest
Danilo, who enjoyed an impressive Copa America campaign with Brazil this summer, returned for pre-season duties at Continassa this week.
On Tuesday, though, Gianluca Di Marzio reported that Bayern Munich enquired about the 30-year-old defender. Julian Nagelsmann is in the market for a right-back this summer and has identified Danilo, who looked at ease in Pep Guardiola’s complex possession-based system at City, as his number one target. “Experience and reliability” is supposedly what the former RB Leipzig boss desires.
The German behemoths currently have Benjamin Pavard and Joshua Kimmich in their right-back depth chart, but Nagelsmann may be keen to deploy the former at centre-back and retain the latter in central midfield. Bouna Sarr, meanwhile, struggled in his first season at the Allianz Arena.
Juventus’ response
Juventus were quick to shun Bayern’s approach by slapping a hefty €30m valuation on Danilo’s head.
It’s understood that the club have no interest in letting the Brazilian depart this summer and their asking price has seen negotiations stall.
Thus, with the Bianconeri’s stance clear and Danilo seemingly content in Turin, it’s unlikely that Bayern will even attempt an offer for the defender. The player’s €4.5m salary is another obstacle to any potential deal.