Chelsea appear to have all but lost their battle to sign highly rated Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci, with the Juventus man close to a deal which would see him switch to rivals Manchester City instead, according to reports from the Manchester Evening News.
It is understood that the classy Italian is a top target for new City boss Pep Guardiola as he looks to sure up the shaky defence he inherited from Manuel Pellgirini after succeeding the Chilean at the helm the Etihad this summer.
Guardiola has long been an admirer of the 29-year old, having previously been linked with a move for the player who he described as one of his ‘favourite ever’ whilst in charge of previous club Bayern Munich.
Blues fans at the Tavern however are mightily disappointed to miss out on securing the 29-year-olds signature after speculation he was to be re-united with his former Juventus and Italy coach Antonio Conte at the Bridge next season.
Like City, the West Londoners are a side who in need of defensive reassurance after a poor last campaign in which the club finished a lowly 10th position in the league.
With Kurt Zouma still injured, Gary Cahill struggling for form and John Terry’s career coming to an end; Chelsea certainly need reinforcements at the back.
Could Antonio Conte sign one of these 3 as he looks to re-build the Blue’s defence? Our fans at the Tavern hope so …
Kalidou Koulibaly
It has been reported that Everton tabled a massive £38.5 million bid for the Napoli defender only recently in an attempt to lure him away from Italy and block his proposed move to Chelsea.
Earlier in the summer it was reported that Koulibaly was potentially to be fined heavily over his public comments over a move to Southwest London however, so if Chelsea are able to match the Toffees’ colossal bid, they could still sway their man to Stamford Bridge over Goodison Park.
Antonio Rudiger
A last minute drop-out of Germany’s Euro 2016 squad with injury – Rudgier would have been mightily disappointed to miss out after a fantastic season for Roma, and especially considering it was another centre half in the Germany squad Shokran Mustafi who all but cost them their place in the tournament.
Despite having officially made his move to Roma permanent this summer for a mere £9 million, it could be the Serie A side are willing to sell him on for a much larger fee.
Eliaquim Mangala
A previous target of the Blues before his switch to Manchester City from Porto in 2014, Mangala has struggled to have a solid impression at the Etihad over the past two seasons.
Some awkward defensive performances have led him to become somewhat a scapegoat at City for their poor record at the back, but our fans at the Tavern can’t help but feel he would be able to re-find the form of his Porto days with a little self belief and confidence put into him.
