"Aguero is not for sale. We will not negotiate with any team." This was the statement from Atletico Madrid's general manager, Miguel Angel Hil. In contrast, Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo’s tone was much more relaxed, "We haven't been in contact with any club. If a team wants to take Aguero, they must pay the full buyout clause (45 million euros), and secondly, there needs to be the player's own approval."
Mourinho's wish to sell Benzema in order to buy Aguero is indeed true, but even *Marca* acknowledges that it would be harder for Real Madrid to secure the player compared to Juventus. Spanish media believes that Mourinho's desire to obtain Aguero (and sell Benzema) exists, but the possibility of Real Madrid sending Benzema to Juventus and getting Aguero in return is slim, as Atletico Madrid is unlikely to send their top star to their fierce local rival.
*Marca* considers that the likelihood of the Argentine forward leaving Atletico this season is quite high, as Aguero's high salary (6.5 million euros per year) has become an unbearable burden for Atletico Madrid. Having stayed in Spain for 5 years, Aguero no longer benefits from the lower tax rate (increased from 24% to 46%), and he might be willing to leave for a new challenge at a higher level. In fact, Atletico Madrid reducing the player's buyout clause from 65 million euros to 45 million euros was precisely hoping for the right buyer to emerge.
45 million euros, no discounts. This is Atletico Madrid's stance on selling Aguero. For Juventus, this is an overly expensive price. *Lentomento* (*Slow Lens*) believes that to get this top target, the斑马army (Juventus) must work through the player himself, persuading Aguero, and using the player's wishes to pressure the price down.
On Tuesday this week, Aguero's agent Segui and IMG representative Hernan Reguera met with Juventus executives in Turin, including chairman Agnelli, manager Marotta, and club lawyer Briamont, who all attended this negotiation. However, Atletico Madrid's subsequent statements have left Juventus feeling disheartened.
But Juventus will not pay the full buyout clause of 45 million euros; they are only willing to offer up to 30-35 million euros. *Lentomento* points out that Juventus' biggest hope lies in the player's own willingness — Aguero's desire to join Juventus. Marotta needs to use the player's own wishes to pressure Atletico Madrid, which will be the best way to acquire Aguero.