“?Antonio Conte is set to overhaul his Chelsea defence by making bids for AC Milan’s Alessio Romagnoli and Juventus’ Leonardo Bonucci, according to reports in Italy.
The former Italy manager is reportedly less than impressed with his side’s current backline in the wake of keeping just one clean sheet so far this term, and is believed to be ready to splash the cash on the Serie A duo in January.
“?Quotidiano Sportivo claimed that Romagnoli will set the Blues back £43m, while “?Calciomercato reported that the Londoners will pay handsomely to acquire Bonucci from Conte’s former club.
#Chelsea are expected to make a new €50million offer for Milan defender Alessio Romagnoli in January. [Quotidiano Sportivo]
Chelsea have missed the imposing presence of captain John Terry in recent matches, with Gary Cahill partnered in the centre of defence by summer recruit David Luiz but, even with Terry fit and available, Chelsea’s defensive frailties have been shown up time and again this season.
Conte is now set to cut his losses on the trio and offer big money to prise his fellow Italy internationals from their respective clubs and entice them to Stamford Bridge.
Italy international Bonucci plied his trade under Conte during the pair’s time together at Juventus, with the 29-year-old winning three consecutive Scudettos and two Italian Super Cups under the ex-Lecce and I Bianconeri player.
Antonio Conte’s frustration with #CFC defence means revived Leonardo Bonucci bid https://t.co/Lbqr4q6CIh #Juventus pic.twitter.com/Ju70APA1cW
“?Bonucci was linked with transfers to Chelsea and Manchester City during the summer months, but a move failed to materialise and ensured the centre back would remain in Turin for the foreseeable future.
However, Conte could now be tempted to return for the former Inter Milan defender due to his impatience over Chelsea’s lack of defensive solidity.
Meanwhile, Romagnoli, 21, has become a fulcrum in Milan’s defence ever since his August 2015 move from Roma for £21m.
The centre-half has featured 46 times in all competitions for I Rossoneri, and has been an ever-present for Vincenzo Montella’s side so far in 2016/17.
Milan would be loathe to sell their star defender to Chelsea but, with the possibility of doubling their money on a signing they made just over 12 months ago, the San Siro-based outfit may not be able to resist a large sum of money.
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