Manchester City increase offer to £43m for Chelsea target and Juventus star

Manchester City are reportedly ready to splash out £43m in a bid to beat Chelsea to the signing of Italy international defender Leonardo Bonucci this summer, according to Sky Sports.

The Premier League side, who finished fourth in the English top-flight standings last term after pipping rivals Manchester United to the final Champions League spot, have been continually linked with a move for the Juventus centre-half ahead of the forthcoming 2016/17 campaign.

Bonucci (Centre) celebrates scoring against Germany at EURO 2016 – Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

The 29-year-old, who has 62 international caps and starred for Italy at this summer’s EURO 2016 Championships in France, scored three goals and provided two assists in 49 appearances in all competitions for the Serie A champions last season.

Bonucci, who is also understood to be a transfer target for new Blues boss Antonio Conte at Premier League rivals Chelsea, originally joined Juve from fellow Italian outfit Bari back in July 2010.

However the latest report suggests that Citizens manager Pep Guardiola is ready to increase their offer for the Italian’s services to £43m, having already failed with an opening offer of £38m.