Juventus sporting director Federico Cherubini has been in London for the last few weeks, working on various deals, including that of Ángel Di María.
According to a report from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Cherubini will meet and hold talks with Di María’s agent Jorge Mendes today in London to discuss the terms over a potential summer transfer for the Argentinian winger.
It is understood that Juve have come up with two offers for the 34-year-old, who seems determined to leave PSG as a free agent this summer. Di María has asked for an annual salary of €7.5 million plus bonuses to reach the mark of €9 million per season.
But Juventus are unwilling to pay that amount to the former Manchester United star for one season, owing to various difficulties.
Instead, Cherubini will propose a two-year contract at the same salary spread over two seasons, meaning that the Bianconeri would be able to take the full advantage of the Growth Decree, which is a tax discount that allows a club to save up to 50% on the taxes of the professionals, who have worked abroad over the last two years and then move to Italy.
If that doesn’t bring a smile to Mendes’ face. Juventus could also entertain a one-year offer. But, in that case, they could not go above a net salary of €7.5million (including bonuses) as they would not be able to utilize the Growth Decree, which applies to only long-term contracts. Furthermore, they would have to sign a replacement next summer if they were to sign Di María on a one-year deal this year, making the possibility of offering him €9million in salary rather unthinkable.
The entourage of the Argentinian doesn’t reportedly think that the gap is unbridgeable. But, as things stand, there is no agreement between the player and the Old Lady. Juventus have been simultaneous keeping tabs on Nicolò Zaniolo and Gabriel Jesus.
