Manchester City Transfer News: Leonardo Bonucci Addresses Latest Rumours, More
Reported Chelsea transfer target Leonardo Bonucci refuted claims from Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano that he called the Citizens to discuss a transfer and pledged his allegiance to Juventus once again.
As reported by Stuart Brennan of the Manchester Evening News, Soriano previously claimed that several top players were keen to join the Citizens during the summer, and that Bonucci even called up the club to discuss a possible move. According to Soriano, Juventus eventually turned such a transfer down.
Bonucci says none of that happened, however, per Brennan: “Manchester City said that I had called them to move there? I did not call anybody, they have not called me personally.”
As shared by Bleacher Report UK, he provided one more quote that should keep the likes of Chelsea and City away for now:
The Italy international hasn't made a secret of the fact that he considered moving to the Etihad Stadium during the summer, with manager Pep Guardiola singing his praises. According to Goal's Stefan Coerts, he said he briefly discussed a move with his agent before opting to stay with the Bianconeri.
He also said he's talking to the Old Lady about a new contract that will undoubtedly result in a significant pay raise. Such a deal should aid the club in fending off moves from other teams, with former manager Antonio Conte reportedly putting the star defender at the top of his Chelsea wish list, per the Telegraph (h/t Anthony Chapman of the Sun).
Bonucci is widely regarded as one of the world's best central defenders, combining vision, instinct and athleticism with an uncanny ability to play the long ball. Here's a look at some of his highlights:
The 29-year-old often functions as Juventus' primary playmaker, picking out team-mates with accurate passes over the top of the defence.
One fan made a compilation of some of his most impressive passes:
His ability and comfort with the ball at his feet makes him a perfect fit for Guardiola's attacking philosophy, which revolves around ball retention and possession. Bonucci is more than a long-ball specialist, however―he's a complete defender who can hold his own against just about anyone.
A move away from Juventus has never seemed likely, however. Bonucci has a tremendous relationship with the club and its fans, and Italy's top internationals tend to stay in Serie A.
There's also his two-year-old son Matteo, who has been struggling with a serious illness, as shared by football writer Jonas Giaever:
The situation would complicate a potential move even more, and Marca' Jose Felix Diaz and Colin Millar previously reported that it played a key role in Bonucci's decision to stay in Turin.
Meanwhile, Inter Milan starlet Gabriel "Gabigol" Barbosa is already the topic of transfer rumours just months after making the move to Italy, with Chelsea, City and Arsenal mentioned as potential destinations.
According to Sport Mediaset (h/t talkSPORT), Inter want to loan out the Brazil international, and the three Premier League clubs could approach the Nerazzurri if they're willing to insert a clause into the deal to make the transfer permanent.
Gabigol moved to Inter after the Summer Olympics amid much fanfare but has barely featured since arriving in the Italian fashion capital. Inter have slumped through a disastrous season so far, and manager Frank de Boer was sacked after just a few months in charge.
As shared by Matteo Bonetti of beIN Sports, De Boer's brother confirmed that the coach never wanted to move for Gabigol in the first place:
The former Santos star will likely see more playing time after the international break and remains a big part of the club's future. While a loan deal is possible―though not likely―securing a permanent option would be a big task.
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