Juventus do Chelsea a favour by closing Leonardo Bonucci door
Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri has all but ruled out a transfer for Leonardo Bonucci. This helps Chelsea focus on a preferable move for Virgil Van Dijk.
Chelsea have been linked with a move for Leonardo Bonucci ever since Antonio Conte took the reins at Stamford Bridge. Previous partnerships between the pair laid the groundwork for rumour after rumour. Again the stories have surfaced but Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri has stated that Bonucci is set to be the next club captain.
This is great news for fans who have been wondering why the Blues are obsessed with an ageing defender. John Terry may have left the club, but Gary Cahill is still there to be the veteran who comes in and out of the team. Chelsea should be focusing their recruitment efforts on someone like Virgil Van Dijk and, according to the Evening Standard, that is exactly what they are now doing.
"Allegri claims that furore is now in the past and revealed that the 30-year-old is in line to replace 39-year-old Gianluigi Buffon as captain in the future…Chelsea will now concentrate their efforts on buying Van Dijk, who has been valued at £70m by Southampton."
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The Blues are in need of fresh blood at centre back as they prepare for Champions League football. Van Dijk has been subject to much speculation, with Liverpool pulling out of an almost-done deal after accusations of tapping up.
The Blues are now poised to strike with Southampton unlikely to reject a bid over £60 million. At the age of 25, Van Dijk is worth that money. He has come on leaps and bounds since arriving in the Premier League, despite injuries interfering last season. He is now ready to establish himself as one of the game’s premier centre backs.
There is no reason to spend a similar amount of money on a 30-year-old Bonucci. Hence, Allegri has actually done the club a favour by confirming that he won’t be going anywhere.
Some fans, though, will not be interested in Van Dijk either. Andreas Christensen has been proving himself in the Bundesliga and should be offered a chance to do likewise in the Premier League. Signing Van Dijk only limits his opportunities.
Next: Bertrand Traore transfer: What does Chelsea expect from their youth?
What do you think? Christensen, Van Dijk and Bonucci…share your thoughts in the comments below!