Chelsea Transfers
Juventus will sell Leonardo Bonucci to Chelsea, but only for a world-record fee for a defender PLUS Cesc Fabregas.
The Italy international is Antonio Conte’s number one transfer target as he seeks to bolster a backline that has failed to convince him in his short time in charge at Stamford Bridge.
The Sun says Juventus are ready to play hardball at the negotiating table and will only allow the 29-year-old to leave for a figure in excess of the £50m the Blues offered in the summer – and they want Spain midfielder Fabregas thrown in as well.
Juve want the former Arsenal and Barcelona star to replace the ageing Claudio Marchisio and, having found himself out of favour since the start of this campaign, Fabregas may well be open to the move.
Chelsea would prefer to keep him, but Conte may have no choice if he remains determined to bring in Bonucci to replace Gary Cahill.
It is unlikely a deal will be done in January given the Serie A side’s Champions Leaguecommitments, but the two clubs look set to try to broker a deal next summer.
