Home Football Chelsea dealt blow in pursuit of Bonucci

Chelsea dealt blow in pursuit of Bonucci

1
0

Conte had hoped to tempt his compatriot to Stamford Bridge

Chelsea look likely to have missed out on the signing of Juventus’ Leonardo Bonucci, with the player’s agent set to open negotiations over a new contract with the Serie A outfit.

Both the Blues and Manchester City were keen to acquire the experienced Italy defender, with Bonucci turning down a lucrative ÂŁ6.8 million-a-year deal to join new City boss Pep Guardiola at the Etihad, with fears over how much game time he would get.

Meanwhile, Conte had hoped that he could tempt Bonucci, who he coached during his time in charge of Juve, to move to Stamford Bridge and potentially link up with veteran John Terry.

Instead, it seems the player is keen to stay in Italy where he has been a regular feature during six years at the club, and has won numerous silverware along the way, which may not be guaranteed at Chelsea straight away, following last season’s collapse.

Chelsea will not compete in Europe this season after finishing 10th, behind Stoke City, which has seemingly cost them in their pursuit of Bonucci.

However, while it is understood City were confident about a deal, and now having to look elsewhere, the Blues are already lining up Napoli’s highly-rated 25-year-old defender Kalidou Koulibaly, who is also a target for Everton.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here