Juventus Transfers: Bayern Munich lead race for midfield target
Bayern Munich have snatched pole position in the race for Ajax midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, who is destined to leave Amsterdam at the end of the season.
Juventus have been linked with a move for Gravenberch this summer and they were given fresh hope of pulling the move off when it was revealed that the Dutchman wouldn’t be renewing his contract with Ajax.
The teenager’s current deal with the club expires in 2023, which means that Ajax will look to offload the midfielder for a fee this summer. It was reported that Gravenberch struck a deal with disgraced former sporting director Marc Overmars that he could leave at the end of the current campaign.
However, it appears that Juventus will struggle to prise away the Dutchman from other competitors.
Bayern Munich are in pole position to sign Juventus target Ryan Gravenberch
Ryan Gravenberch deal. Bayern official bid is €15m guaranteed plus add-ons, I'm told. Variables could reach €10m in many years - potential €25m total value. 🚨 #FCBayern
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 21, 2022
Ajax want more, negotiation has just started. Ryan's out of contract in 2023 and won't sign a new deal. pic.twitter.com/vwZ9X1E8PQ
Juve are planning to bolster their midfield in a big way this summer and Gravenberch, who’s garnered comparisons to fellow Bianconeri target Paul Pogba, was one of several players the club have been linked with in recent weeks.
Paolo Nonmollo (via @BianconeriZone) even went as far as saying that the Old Lady were willing to offer Ajax €25m for the 19-year-old and offer him a four-year contract.
However, more reputable sources are yet to verify this claim and it seems that Juve have been usurped by Bavarian behemoths Bayern in the race for the Dutch international.
De Telegraaf reporter Mike Verweij reported on Sunday that Bayern have tabled an opening bid worth €25m (€15m plus add-ons) for Gravenberch. Members of the hierarchy including chairman Oliver Kahn, technical director Marko Neppe and sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic paid a ‘secret’ visit to Amsterdam in the wake of Ajax’s elimination to Benfica in the Champions League to kick-off negotiations.
Fabrizio Romano, however, adds that Ajax want more for Gravenberch and talks are set to continue between the two clubs. Juve, meanwhile, have taken a back seat and their plethora of possibilities mean they won’t be panicking over Bayern’s proactivity.