Premier League’s defending champions Chelsea are interested in signing AC Milan’s defensive stalwart Leonardo Bonucci, as per reports from the Italian version of Goal.com. However, the Blues face stiff competition from current league leaders Manchester City as the PL giants could engage in a bidding war in January for the services of the highly revered Italian International.
Bonucci has been one of the most impressive defenders in the Serie A for the three seasons or so. His stunning performances with Juventus, helped the club reach the final of the Champions League as well as land several domestic titles.
This summer, the centre-back was a part of Milan’s spending spree, as the Rossoneri secured his signature for a fee of €42m. However, his form with Milan hasn’t been solid as it was at Juventus since the defender has desperately lacked the support from fellow centre-backs. Although Mateo Musacchio has looked pretty promising at times this season, he is nothing when compared to Bonucci’s former partners in Andrea Barzagli and Georgio Chiellini.
Furthermore, he has been also criticized for making poor decisions and his inability to lead out the Milan backline he was designated with when being appointed as team’s captain.
Therefore, the 30-year-old could be eyeing for an exit as tension at the Milan camp rises even further, after the appointment of Gennaro Gattuso.
Chelsea could be a perfect destination for the former Juventus and Lazio star. Following David Luiz’s fallout with head coach Antonio Conte, the Brazilian might be heading for an exit door anytime now and that’s where Bonucci comes into the fray.
The Italian International has the quality and the experience to replace the Brazilian centre-back, as Chelsea’s leader at the back. Although Bonucci might not boast the similar attacking qualities as David Luiz, his defensive solidity coupled with years of experience in the top level of football could definitely aid the defending champions of England.
Also not to mention, the fact that coach Antonio Conte’s good relationship with Leonardo Bonucci will significantly help the defender in quickly get settled into his new club. Therefore, Chelsea fans should be ecstatic about their latest transfer target, for sure, who has the ability to emerge as a real leader, the club has lacked in the past few years or so.
