According to reports from Calcio Mercato, Chelsea and Manchester City could both launch transfer bids for Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci during the summer transfer window.
Both clubs will change manager this summer – Manchester City have already confirmed the appointment of Pep Guardiola whilst Antonio Conte is leading the race for the Chelsea hot seat – and their next gaffers are both big fans of the Italy international.
Indeed, Bonucci won three Serie A titles under Conte during their three seasons together at Juventus and Bayern boss Guardiola recently said of the 28-year-old centre-back; “Bonucci has always been one of my favourite players.”
The Citizens and the Blues are both expected to shake up the hearts of their defence in the coming transfer window; Martin Demichelis, Nicolas Otamendi and Eliaquim Mangala have failed to prove effective partners to Vincent Kompany whilst legendary skipper John Terry looks set to leave Stamford Bridge on a free transfer; and consequentially, the Italian media has linked both clubs with the 53-cap international.
Calcio Mercato – who cite fellow Italian outlet Gazzetta Dello Sport – claim the Premier League duo could both launch bids for Bonucci during the summer. Under contract until 2020 after agreeing new terms in the summer, however, the Serie A champions are under no immediate obligation to sell.