PEP GUARDIOLA is “eager” to sign Leonardo Bonucci from Juventus, according to reports.
Manchester City’s leaky defence has been a big issue throughout their botched Premier League title defence this season and they have conceded more goals than Liverpool, Leicester, Manchester United and even Sheffield United.
Bonucci has been a rock at the back for Juventus since first joining in 2010Credit: AFP or licensors
Guardiola lost his captain Vincent Kompany last summer and Aymeric Laporte was struck by a long-term injury early in the campaign.
John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi have struggled at the heart of City’s defence – with midfielder Fernandinho often preferred to one or the other.
According to Goal, Guardiola sees Bonucci, 32, as the perfect man to fill the void left by Kompany.
His ability on the ball and his passing range would make him a great fit for a Guardiola side.
But City will have a hard time prising the Italian away from the Serie A giants.
Juventus have “no intention” of selling their 95-cap centre-back.
Maurizio Sarri’s side handed Bonucci a new deal back in November, tying him to the club until 2024.
The 32-year-old signed a new four-year deal at Juve in NovemberCredit: Getty – Contributor
Having initially joined in 2010, he forged a reputation as one of the world’s best defenders over seven years before bizarrely joining AC Milan in 2017.
But he was back in Turin just a year later after failing to settle at the San Siro.
In total, Bonucci has made 394 appearances for the Old Lady, winning seven league titles in a glittering career with the club.
Juventus are also keen on sealing a new contract for Giorgio Chiellini, who has missed most of the campaign with injury.
The serial Serie A champions want their experienced defenders to help guide their younger hopefuls in Merih Demiral and Matthijs de Ligt.
Daniele Rugani, meanwhile, will be allowed to leave the Allianz Stadium.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
