Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal’s hopes of signing Roma defender Mehdi Benatia have taken a major blow as Bayern Munich emerged as the favourites to sign him.
Benatia made it clear last week that he wanted to join the German champions instead of making a move to England. However, a meeting between the two clubs was cancelled, with Roma unhappy with Bayern’s £24million offer. The Italian side have valuated the defender at a figure more like £30mil, and are determined to get the full asking price.
It is understood Bayern have offered a £28m package for Benatia, £4m of which is bonus related.
Although Bayern’s latest offer once again falls short of Roma’s valuation, the Italians could be tempted to cash-in with the transfer deadline only days away.
Roma directors Walter Sabatini and Mauro Baldissoni were in England last week and held talks with officials from both Arsenal and United.
But, as of yet, an offer from either has not been forthcoming.
Bayern boss Pep Guardiola is desperate to bring Benatia to the Allianz Arena, having lost Spain star Javi Martinez to injury.
Martinez is expected to miss the majority of the season after tearing his anterior cruciate and lateral collateral knee ligaments in last weekend’s defeat to Borussia Dortmund.
By Ben Kelly
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