Reports from Italy suggest that Bayern Munich and Inter Milan have come to an agreement over the terms of a transfer for Arturo Vidal.
Bayern Munich could finally have made their first sale of the summer after months of teasing exits for a handful of players. Arturo Vidal appears set to be the first Bayern man to make his exit, as the Chilean has reportedly agreed to join Serie A side Inter Milan.
Vidal has long been linked with a return to the Italian top flight. Almost all of Italy’s top clubs have been linked with a move for the midfielder, including Carlo Ancelotti’s Napoli and Vidal’s former club, Juventus.
Inter Milan, however, look to have beat the competition to the Chilean’s signature. They’ve been in talks with the player and his agent for some time, but now — according to renowned journalist Alfredo Pedulla — they have come to an agreement with Bayern Munich for Vidal’s signature.
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Pedulla’s report suggests that Vidal will join Inter on a one-year loan deal with an option to buy. In total, the move should satisfy Bayern’s €30 million asking price for the player.
Before Vidal can leave, though, he’ll have to sign a contract extension with the Bavarians, as players in the final year of their contract are not allowed to go on loan to another club.
It’s no surprise to see Vidal leave the club this summer. Bayern’s higher-ups have stated on several occasions that the current squad is too big — especially in the midfield department.
Vidal has the misfortune of being the oldest of Bayern’s nine midfielders, and his recent injury record and expiring contract didn’t help his argument to remain in Munich.
Though Bayern have all the pieces they need to replace Vidal, they’ll be losing one of the most experienced players in their squad. Youngsters Corentin Tolisso, Leon Goretzka and Renato Sanches may have the talent to replace the 31-year-old, but they lack the experience Vidal brought to the club.
But selling Vidal makes sense for Bayern Munich, who are turning their focus to a younger squad as several key players from the past decade phase out of the club. Furthermore, €30 million is no small sum for a player on the wrong side of 30 with only a year left in his contract. This move represents more good business from the German giants.