If you believe the media then Chelsea’s manager elect Antonio Conte and Manchester City’s in coming boss Pep Guardiola both want to add Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci to their new sides.

Conte knows Bonucci well as they won three Serie A titles together in Turin and Bonucci is a big part of Conte’s Azzurri side that are heading to France this summer to fight for the European Championship trophy.

With veteran captain John Terry set to leave Chelsea this summer, bringing in a top class centre back should be a priority. Given the players credentials and his history with Conte you can see why a move to London has been mooted.

Current Bayern Munich manager Pep has seen Leonardo first hand in the past month as his side edged Juve out of the Champions League over two legs.

After the first leg discussing Bonucci, Guardiola stated:

“One of my favourite ever players,”

Now obviously making such comments makes it easy for journalists to write stories linking the defender with a move to City.

In recent years Bonucci’s consistent and assured backline performances has seen his stock rise and the twenty-eight year old is now considered one of the world’s best central defenders.

Bonucci isn’t hotheaded but is extremely passionate and gives his all for the jersey. The Italian international is also a composed character who never shies away from the ball. He can build from the back with his keen awareness and his ability to pass.

Leonardo has never been known for his arial prowess but even that has improved in the past year.

He’s known for being as cool as a cucumber and not easily flustered but don’t be mistaken Bonucci isn’t scared to go into a challenge and he isn’t easily bullied.

The defender is a smart operator who would strengthen either Chelsea’s or City’s defence if he joined.

Obviously both English Premier League clubs believe they have incoming gaffers who could attract most players to join them in battle. They have the cash available to tempt Juventus to sell, supposedly a bid of £25m would be get the Old Lady listening.

But the Italian defender is settled in Turin.

After his side were eliminated by Bayern Bonucci declared:

“I am proud and honoured to be part of this group,”

Now this is the biggest sticking point, can Chelsea or Man City persuade Bonucci to leave the Bianconeri?

I am unsure.

Last summer he signed a five year deal with the club.

Juve are a mystical club that have their own aura and style, that gets into the blood of players especially the Italian stars. Look at players like Gaetano Scirea, Alessandro Del Piero and Gianluigi Buffon they stay with La Vecchia Signora because they fall in love with the club and its tradition.

Leonardo Bonucci has a young family and is well and truly established himself with Italy’s biggest club. Juventus are still winning trophies, titles and importantly they are also competing in the Champions League.

So while the two English behemoths have the cash and the ambitious managers, I just can’t see them having enough to see either one of them woo Bonucci away from the Piedmont region.

But as I said earlier, if they can sign him then they’d have a stronger defensive unit to rely on next season!

Posted on March 18th, 2016 by scott
Filed under: Article