Mario Mandzukic moving closer to a move away from Bayern Munich

We've been waiting some time for the other shoe to drop in the Mario Mandzukic transfer saga. He's leaving, yes, but where in Europe will he be going? We here at Bavarian Football Works have written about him potentially joining Wolfsburg, Milan, Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, and even staying at Bayern.

The most recent links have been with Atletico, and according to Bild, the transfer is all but officially announced by the two club. The details: Bayern will receive €22 million, and Mandzukic will get a contract through 2019. When asked about the potential deal, Bayern's media director Markus Hörwick told Deutsche Presse-Agentur, "It's not perfect yet."

The 28 year old forward had another great season for Bayern. He finished the season with 26 goals in all competitions to lead the team and finished his two year stint with Bayern collecting eight trophies along the way. The move away from Munich will please him, as he was sure to find himself in an uphill battle for playing time with the incoming Robert Lewandowski.

In fact, Mandzukic joining Atletico is likely a win for all three parties. Bayern get to sell a disgruntled player for €22 million after buying him two years ago for €13 million, and they have a better option joining the club for free this summer. Atletico sold Diego Costa to Chelsea for €40 million, and they now get another very good goalscorer to replace him while pocketing €18 million in the exchange. Mandzukic gets to go to a Champions League club where he will be the number one option up top.

Win. Win. Win.

Update:

Bayern have confirmed an agreement with Atletico.

Matthias #Sammer reveals: "There is a verbal agreement between FC Bayern, Atlético Madrid and Mario

#Mandzukic."

— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) July 9, 2014