As time passes, Fernando Llorente's failure to sign a new contract is becoming more and more akin to a soap opera. What's more, the plot just got thicker in the latest episode of this turgid saga with the surprise appearance of a new character, Juventus, clearly keen on coming between Athletic and its striker. Juve's Director General, Beppe Marotta, has already admitted his interest in signing the player.
The current Serie A champion has put €16 million on the table, according to the Italian daily Tuttosport, in the hope of signing Llorente to strengthen its attack in preparation for the forthcoming Champions League, once its dream of signing Van Persie has vanished. This figure is less than half of Rincón de Soto's buyout clause, set at around €36 million.
The same source leaked a statement of intent by the director general Beppe Marotta and his assistant, Fabio Gremio, from China, where Juve picked up the Italian Super Cup having beaten Naples 4-2: "We are negotiating but it isn't easy because Athletic doesn't want to sell".
The appearance of Juventus on the scene has come at a time when the relationship between Athletic and the player has reached stalemate. The Basque club is not prepared to budge an inch from its latest offer to the player, which amounts to €4.5 million net per season. Meanwhile, the player's representatives are urging the club to listen to offers.
