Bonucci non-committal on Chelsea transfer links

Posted Wednesday, April 27, 2016 by squawka.com

Juventus centre-back Leonardo Bonucci remains non-committal over his long-term future at Juventus after failing to confirm whether or not he would be interested in a move to Chelsea.

The 28-year-old Italy international has emerged as one of the Blues primary transfer targets in the summer as Antonio Conte looks to bolster his backline with an experienced international class defender.

Conte has worked alongside Bonucci for the past five years – between 2011-14 with Juventus and with the Italian national team in the last two years – and is known to be a big admirer of his talents.

Although Chelsea, unlike Juventus, will not play Champions League football next season, Bonucci refused to deny whether or not he would be staying put in Turin.

When asked whether he’d be interested in a reunion with Conte, he said (via the Evening Standard): “I haven’t said anything yet, the question hasn’t been asked so I can’t say either yes or no.”

Chelsea possess the ninth-worst defensive record in the Premier League this season having conceded 46 goals in their 35 games so far and John Terry is expected to depart in the summer.

Consequently, one of Conte’s first tasks is to tighten the side up defensively and while Kurt Zouma has impressed this season, the loss of Terry coupled with Gary Cahill’s poor form has made signing a defender key.

Bonucci has been virtually ever-present for the Old Lady this season, missing just two of their Serie A games all season, during which he has won 57% of his headed duels and averaged seven defensive actions per game.

Juventus were crowned Serie A champions this weekend, meaning they have now won five consecutive titles.