Reports: Juventus, Bayern Munich agree to deal for Medhi Benatia

As things stand right now, we may be done hearing Medhi Benatia transfer rumors. I say that, mainly, because the latest transfer rumor involves, after a good amount of weeks of negotiations, a Benatia deal between Bayern Munich and Juventus has been reached.

That's what pretty much everybody in the Italian press is saying, from Gianluca Di Marzio to Romeo Agresti, Tuttosport and Corriere dello Sport. It's all got the same kind of message to it — Juventus and Bayern Munich will be doing business for another summer and Benatia will be making a return to Italy after the two cluibs agreed to a deal.

Mehdi Benatia is on his way to Juventus. The bianconeri have reached an agreement with Bayern Munich despite Milan's last attempt, the German club kept their promise with Juventus which will now settle the last few details. After previously playing for Udinese and Roma, Benatia is now ready to return to Serie A.

(Source: Gianluca Di Marzio)

I'll just say this right here. When Benatia's deal becomes official this will be the five Juventus center backs on the roster:

Andrea Barzagli, Medhi Benatia, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini, Daniele Rugani

I mean, it could be a lot worse. A lot, lot worse.

Benatia's stay in Germany has been less than stellar. He arrived at the German giants after an outstanding final season at Roma where he was arguably the best defender Serie A had to offer. He returns to Italy's top flight, most certainly on loan with an option to buy — Beppe gonna Beppe — like so many have reported over the last few weeks, as player looking to rediscover form from seasons prior.

This is such a Marotta kind of move. He loves to buy low on players who have proven their quality in previous seasons. Benatia fits that to a t, really. If Juventus gets more of the Udinese/Roma Benatia than the Bayern Benatia, then whatever the fee is to make the deal permanent, especially with two of Juve's better defenders getting into or already in their mid-30s, will look relatively affordable compared to what Bayern paid for him two summers ago.