Juventus’ defensive line-up is the envy of clubs across Europe, but the trio could be broken up this summer. The agent of one of their star centre-backs has flown to Manchester to conduct talks with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
Leonardo Bonucci is the defensive mainstay of the Juventus side that has won five Serie A titles in a row. He showcased his ability on the international stage recently too, as Italy beat Belgium and Spain before being knocked out by Germany in the quarter-finals of Euro 2016. The 29-year old defender even took a penalty for the Azzuri against the Germans and played the part of the playmaker in a team somewhat lacking in attacking finesse.
His performances at the European Championships have only added sheen to his showing for Juventus in the Champions League, and a number of Premier League clubs are interested in signing the Italian. Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea have all been linked, but Guardiola’s City have made the first move, seeing their £38 million bid being rejected by the Bianconeri.
The latest news on that front is that Bonucci’s agent is in Manchester discussing a possible move to City with, manager Pep Guardiola keen to make the Italian his third signing at the Etihad Stadium, according to Gazetta dello Sport. However Juventus are unwilling to lose him, and are holding out for atleast a £50 million transfer fee.
Bonucci was most strongly linked with Chelsea, who welcome former Italian national team manager Antonio Conte to the club this season. The defender has won three Serie A titles with Conte and was an integral part of his plans at Euro 2016. However Conte allegedly has a gentleman’s agreement with his former club to not poach any of his former players. This means that Chelsea will not interfere in any potential move to the Premier League.
Manchester City are in dire need of a top quality central defender, as Eliaquim Managala has been far too inconsistent and Captain Vincent Kompany continues to be plagued by injury. Bonucci is a ball-laying defender who excels at passing and interceptions, which would be a perfect fit for the system Guardiola could be planning to implement at City.
The Catalan’s sides at Barcelona and Bayern Munich have been known for fluid passing movement and an obsession with possession, a trademark of the tiki-taka system that has seen Spain flourish over the past decade. However considering the physicality of the Premier League, Bonucci may need to learn some new tricks in order to keep winning titles.