Chelsea are reportedly ready to make Italy international Leonardo Bonucci the world’s most expensive defender ever, according to The Telegraph.
The Premier League side, who currently sit seventh in the English top-flight standings after defeating Hull City 2-0 last time out, are prepared to splash out up to £60m to land the Juventus star in the January transfer window.
The 29-year-old, who has 63 international caps for his country and starred for Italy at this summer’s European Championships in France, has made seven appearances in all competitions for the defending Serie A champions so far this season.
Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.
Bonucci; who netted three times in 49 games in all competitions last term, is wanted by Blues owner, Roman Abramovich, to turn Chelsea back into Premier League and Champions league contenders.
It is understood that the Russian businessman has told manager Antonio Conte that he is prepared to stump up £60m for the impressive Italian, a fee that will surpass the £50m mark the London outfit banked when Paris Saint-Germain signed fellow centre-half David Luiz back in June 2014.
Bonucci has lifted the Serie A title six times during his career – five times with Juve, once with Inter Milan.
