Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City are all reportedly set to be dealt a blow in their chase for Leonardo Bonucci, who will not be sold by Juventus.
Italian publication Calciomercato have reported that Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City are all set to face a blow in pursuit of Italian centre-back Leonardo Bonucci, with Juventus having no intention of selling the player anytime soon.
This comes in wake of recent reports claiming that Bonucci’s future at the Juventus Stadium was under a cloud following a bust-up with manager Massimiliano Allegri two weeks ago that led to the 29-year-old being excluded from the Bianconeri’s Champions League matchday squad to face Porto.
The reports stated that the incident had led Bonucci to consider his future with Juventus, as a result of which clubs had started circling around for his services. These include long-time admirers Chelsea and Manchester City, who were later joined by Real Madrid in the chase for the Italy international.
He has subsequently reclaimed his place back in the starting lineup after he turned up in defence for Juventus’ match against Napoli on Tuesday night, with the Serie A leaders overcoming Maurizio Sarri’s men.
And the Calciomercato report states that Juventus are not even considering selling Bonucci in the summer. It points out the new five-year contract that the 29-year-old signed in December, which was inked with the intention of Juventus keeping him for the long-term rather than selling him for a premium.
This deals a huge blow to the pursuits of Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City, with all three clubs desperate to sign a central defender in the summer.
Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane is keen to bring a centre-back to the Santiago Bernabeu. With Pepe looking all set to depart from the club in the summer and Raphael Varane blowing hot and cold this season, there is a serious need to find a new partner for Sergio Ramos for next season.
Meanwhile, Chelsea manager Antonio Conte does have quality options to choose from with his current back three going great guns. But Gary Cahill already in his thirties and David Luiz approaching that mark as well.
John Terry’s Chelsea career also seems to be coming to an end, leaving the Chelsea boss with the inexperienced duo of Kurt Zouma and Nathan Ake to choose from as backups. As a result, Conte is in search of a top class, experienced central defender, with Bonucci reported to be a top target.
Finally, Pep Guardiola is aiming to overturn a defensive crisis that has been prevalent at the Etihad Stadium this season, with Nicolas Otamendi the only centre-back who has managed to make some sort of an impact in the heart of the Manchester City defence.
However, if the report from Calciomercato indeed turns out to be true, the three clubs will have to set their sights elsewhere, with Bonucci looking set to stay at Juventus as things stand.
