They’ve uncharacteristically struggled in defence so far this season and now, Chelsea have reportedly received the all clear to sign Juventus’ Leonardo Bonucci in January, report The Independent.
According to the publication, Roman Abramovich has given Antonio Conte his blessing to go out and try to sign the Italian international for a world record breaking fee of over £50 million for a defender.
A fellow report from the Daily Telegraph also claims that Abramovich met with Conte last week whereby the Blues duo spoke about transfer targets and the way in which the club is headed.
Following an injury to John Terry at Swansea City last month, the Blues have struggled in defence with the pairing of Gary Cahill and David Luzi struggling, particularly in the club’s 3-0 humbling at London rivals Arsenal.
Bonucci is a player who knows Antonio Conte and his tactics inside out having worked with the Blues boss for three years at Juventus, not to mention their time together with the Italian national side.
Despite it feeling like he’s been around forever, the centre back is still only 29-year-old and turns 30 next May meaning that he could deputise for John Terry after his career at Stamford Bridge comes to an end.