Real Madrid have reportedly entered the race to sign Leonardo Bonucci, having registered an interest in the unsettled Juventus defender.
Spanish publication Don Balon have reported that Real Madrid have zeroed in on the next partner for Sergio Ramos in defence. The Spanish heavyweights have set their sights on Leonardo Bonucci and are set to rival Chelsea and Manchester City for the Juventus centre-back.
Zinedine Zidane is in search for the next partner for Sergio Ramos in the heart of the Real Madrid defence, with Pepe all set to leave the club at the end of the season, while Raphael Varane hasn’t managed to impress much this season.
With defence time and again being one of his side’s weak links in the current campaign, a central defensive reinforcement is a top priority for the Real Madrid boss. Having drawn up a list of candidates for the summer, it looks like Zidane may have identified the perfect centre half for the job – Bonucci.
Bonucci is constantly rated as one of the best defenders in the world, having been ever present at the back for Juventus for the better part of the last seven years. Having already represented the Italian giants 300 times, his technical skills on the ball and reading of the game have made him a rock in defence.
It goes without saying that he has been a fundamental part of the Bianconeri’s successes in recent years. However, despite all that, Bonucci seems to be on the edge at the Juventus Stadium following a reported bust-up with manager Massimiliano Allegri.
Bonucci was subsequently fined and dropped from the match day squad to face Porto last week, leaving him to consider his future with the Serie A champions. As a result, Chelsea and Manchester City reignited their interest in the Italy international, with both clubs on the lookout for a central defender.
Antonio Conte is interested in bolstering his defensive options in order to contest on all four fronts next season, and is eyeing a reunion with Bonucci in order to do that. Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola aims to correct the defensive crisis that is prevalent at the Etihad Stadium, with the 29-year-old identified as the best player to solve that.
However, the two clubs now look set to be joined by Real Madrid in their chase for Bonucci, making it a potential three-way battle for the Juventus man. With all three clubs making defence a priority for the summer, it remains to be seen where Bonucci’s next destination lies.
