Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea target confirms Premier League interest.
Juventus’ Leonardo Bonucci celebrates.
Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has revealed there was interest in him from the Premier League this summer, but that he decided to stay in Turin, via Mediaset Premium.
Premier League trio Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea were all credited with an interest in Bonucci during the summer transfer window as they looked to bolster their defensive options.
Leonardo Bonucci
Bonucci told Italian television station Mediaset Premium that he was tempted by the interest from England, but that his love for Juventus stopped him from leaving the Italian champions.
The 29-year-old did not specifically name the club who he was tempted by claimed he was almost swayed by the opportunity of working with the mysterious coach who wanted to sign him.
Leonardo Bonucci in action for Italy
“If I said that I wasn’t tempted this summer by an offer from England, above all for the coach that wanted me, then that would be a lie,” Bonucci told Mediaset Premium.
“But Juventus is my home and I am happy to have remained. My dream was to win with this shirt and now I am here, ready to improve as a player and challenge myself to make this team become a legend.”
It’s unclear which Premier League manager Bonucci referred to with his comments with reports suggesting Manchester United sounded out Bonucci during their negotiations to sign Paul Pogba from Juventus as Jose Mourinho looked to add to his defensive options, while Manchester City chief Pep Guardiola is understood to be a big admirer of the centre-back.
Antonio Conte
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte was also keen to be reunited with Bonucci having worked with the defender during his time in charge of Juventus and the Italy national team.
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