Manchester City and Chelsea entering bidding war for Serie A star defender

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Pep Guardiola and Antonio Conte are ready to make a big splash at Manchester City and Chelsea, with both clubs being linked to a number of big targets. One they have in commin is Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci.

The Citizens are preparing to raise their offer for the Italy international, who defended his country’s colours at Euro 2016, after The Old Lady turned down a bid of £38.3 million, according to The Guardian.

Bonucci is considered a key figure in the Juventus and Italy defence, so the Serie A champions would not be prepared to sell the 29-year-old for less than £50 million, especially since they are targeting a Champions League triumph next season.

Guardiola was still at Bayern Munich when he called Bonucci one of his favourite players in the world, and he’s considering a bid of £51 million to shake Juventus’ convictions.

However, Chelsea and Conte are also keen on landing one of the best centre-backs in the game. The Sun is convinced that Bonucci’s preference, in case of a transfer, would be to move to Stamford Bridge, but it remains to be seen if the Blues can match City’s offer.