Report: Juventus to resume Julian Draxler negotiations with Schalke after Italian Super Cup

I would like to think that nobody thought negotiating with Schlake for the services of Julian Draxler would be something of relative ease. Juventus want the player and it's obvious, but just as clear is Schalke's desire to keep him with all their might. Or, at the very least, got a whooooole lot of money for him if they are to see him go.

In somewhat classic Beppe Marotta style, Juventus reportedly low-balled Schalke in their first offer to bring the talented German playmaker to Turin. But since then, it's been somewhat of radio silence, with Marotta saying Juve are in no rush to bring in Draxler — or anybody else, for that matter — even though the Serie A season is quickly approaching.

Maybe, just maybe, there could be some progress after Juventus faces Lazio in the Italian Super Cup this weekend. I sure hope there is, because it'd be cool to have Draxler in biancoerno this season and the next 10 after that.

Juventus will make new contact with Schalke 04 for Julian Draxler after Saturday's Supercup against Lazio. The German club wants to receive just a one-off payment for their player with no add-on's. But having already had one bid of €22 million rejected, the Bianconeri are adamant that they will not raise their offer for the highly rated German international - it seems this story is set to continue.

(Source: Gianluca Di Marzio)

Nobody wanted this turn into a transfer saga, but guess what? It is now.

Even with s potential trident of Alvaro Morata, Mario Mandzukic and Paulo Dybala, Juventus clearly want a No. 10 to fill out their attack and be able to seriously compete in Europe again. Draxler is the No. 1 target, and even though the Italian press will continue to link Juve to other players — including fellow German Mario Götze — it apparent that Juve's attention are fully involved in Mr. Julian.

Schalke can say all they want about Draxler staying right where he currently is until Juventus make a significant offer that will give the former reason to think otherwise. The €15 million with ad-ons bid won't be enough by any means, nor will the reported €22 million bid listed above. Schalke want cash, and a lot of it. That means Marotta and Fabio Paratici, who loves themselves some shrewd transfer deals just like any other great transfer decision makers, will either have to continue to up their bid or quickly look elsewhere for a different No. 10.

No matter what, though, this isn't the last we've heard about Draxler and Juventus — no matter if he shows up in a couple weeks or not at all. Aren't transfer sagas tons of fun? (Don't answer that question because there's only one answer.)