European Giants Become Favourites To Sign Chelsea Target

Chelsea might well be Premier League champions but so far this summer the transfer window has not been kind to Antonio Conte and Roman Abramovich and there could be some even worse news.

Antonio Conte was probably hoping that being champions of England would make his job easier this summer, as he looked to make the Blues into an even better side.

However much like last summer he's largely been left frustrated.

Romelu Lukaku

_{No sight of Lukaku at Stamford Bridge so far. Image: PA}

First his text to Diego Costa lowered the price of the Spaniard, there seems to have been little movement on the signing of Romelu Lukaku and now his defensive targets are under threat.

Manchester City became a threat to the signing of Roma's Antonio Rüdiger, Juventus are doing everything in their power to stop Alex Sandro leaving and now Barcelona are favourites for another target.

According to reports in Italy, via the Daily Mail, Barcelona have entered the race to sign Leonardo Bonucci from the Old Lady.

Leonardo Bonucci

_{Bonucci has been a long term target of Conte's. Image: PA}

Chelsea chased Bonucci for much of last summer as their manager hoped to be reunited with a player he'd worked with as manager of the Italian champions and national side.

However his club were unwilling to let him go last summer and in the end the west London club had to make do with re-signing David Luiz from PSG.

The 30 year-old was once again a top target at 'the Bridge' this summer but Barcelona are now considered favourites for the £60 million centre-back.

Vardy Luiz

_{Luiz return to the Premier League ended up being a good one. Image: PA}

Last season Max Allegri's side had no interest in selling Bonucci but reports suggest that stance has softened and they would sell him for the big money now.

Missing out on the Italian might not be such a big blow if Chelsea manage to sign Rudiger but with City now hovering around that deal anything is possible.

It could be yet another frustrating summer for Conte, then again he won the Premier League after one last year!

Topics: Chelsea, Barcelona, Leonardo Bonucci

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

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