Chelsea have reportedly set their sights on Juventus superstar Leonardo Bonucci after facing failure in the pursuit of Virgil Van Dijk, who seems Liverpool bound.
According to Tribal Football columnist Emanuele Giulianelli, Chelsea have now shifted their attention towards Juventus superstar Leonardo Bonucci after facing rejection in the pursuit of Southampton defender Virgil Van Dijk, who reportedly favours a move to Liverpool.
Virgil Van Dijk has been heavily sought-after by Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City among others. And while each team was touted as the favourites in the pursuit at different stages, the player has reportedly chosen Liverpool, who are now in talks with Southampton over the transfer fees for the Dutch international.
Leonardo Bonucci is not a new target for Chelsea. The player was linked instantly to the Blues last summer, with Antonio Conte’s arrival at Stamford Bridge.
There were rumours of the Juventus superstar being close to a switch to Manchester City as well. However, a move failed to materalise, despite the player admitting his penchant for Premier League football.
“It fascinates me. When I can, I watch English games, and not only for the quality of the players on display. I’m hot-headed, and I love the passion that exudes from their packed stands. It’s for that kind of thing that I’m the first on the training pitch and the last to return to the changing room.”
Leonardo Bonucci has been impressive once again at the heart of the Juventus defence, spraying passes with ease. The player has even contributed to his team’s cause with 5 goals and an assist in all competitions.
The player, though, is now being tailed by the team they ended up losing to in the finals of the current iteration of the UEFA Champions League – Real Madrid. Los Blancos are set to bid Pepe adieu and Bonucci’s arrival could strengthen their bid to defend their La Liga and Champions League titles.
Chelsea, however, are set to renew their interest in Bonucci and the player might be tempted by the prospect of a reunion with former manager Antonio Conte at Stamford Bridge. The Blues will need to add a vocal leader at the back to cope with the absence of John Terry.
Juventus can sell Bonucci & Alex Sandro for €120m, Chelsea have contacted in recent days. [CdS] pic.twitter.com/iEwL7gXBzr
— Forza Juventus (@ForzaJuve2017) June 6, 2017
While Terry did not play much this season and the trio of Cahill, Luiz and Azpilicueta performed well, Leonardo Bonucci’s inclusion can free up David Luiz to venture forward more and Azpilicueta can be bumped up to the right wing-back position, another position they need reinforcements in.
The player will cost the club in the region of £50 million – a figure that was reported in January. Chelsea will be ready to stump up the cash for a quality defender like Bonucci and if Allegri does end up allowing the ball-playing defender to leave, we may see him strut his stuff for the Blues next campaign.
