Chelsea Transfer News: Latest Leonardo Bonucci, Alessio Romagnoli Rumours

Chelsea continue to be linked with star players from the Italian Serie A, with the latest rumours pointing at Juventus' Leonardo Bonucci and AC Milan's Alessio Romagnoli as possible replacements for veteran defender John Terry.

The Daily Telegraph's Matt Law reports former Juventus boss and current Italy national team coach Antonio Conte is the favourite to become Chelsea's next manager, and Italian sources have highlighted Bonucci as one of his former players he would love to bring to Stamford Bridge.

The 28-year-old moved to Juventus from Bari in 2010 and has since established himself as one of the best defenders in Italy, usurping team-mates Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli in the Azzurri pecking order.

OLIVIER MORIN/Getty Images

While Chiellini is still the bigger name outside of Italy, avid followers of calcio will tell you Bonucci is the better player at this point in time. He usually slides into the central role of the Bianconeri back three, with Chiellini and Barzagli playing next to him.

Here's a look at some of his highlights:

Out of Juventus' three top defenders, Bonucci is the best passer and the one who ventures forward the most. He's incredibly calm and collected with the ball at his feet, but he can also play with a mean streak and use his physicality to muscle players off the ball.

Per BT Sport's James Horncastle, Bayern Munich manager and future Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola didn't hide his admiration of the Italian after the 2-2 draw between Juventus and Bayern in the UEFA Champions League:

Per Ben Gladwell of UEFA.com, Guardiola even called him on of his “all-time favourite players,” a ringing endorsement from the Spanish manager.

Juventus have impressive defensive depth, with the talented Daniele Rugani also waiting in the wings, so the Italian giants may be open to selling one of their stars next summer. But given Bonucci's age, the former Bari man is an unlikely candidate to be sold, and Chelsea would likely have to part with a massive sum to bring him to Stamford Bridge.

Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

Romagnoli won't be any cheaper, although ITA Sport Press (h/t Metro's Tom Olver) claim the Blues are “likely” to sign the former Roma man. Romagnoli only moved to Milan last summer, but per the report, Chelsea are already planning a £30 million deal.

The 21-year-old has been impressive for the Rossoneri in the 2015-16 campaign, which was expected after he flashed tremendous potential while on loan with Sampdoria last season. Here's a look at some of his highlights:

Unlike Rugani, that other Italian super talent, Romagnoli has only increased his value in the last few months, showing he's already more than capable of leading the defence of a top club like Milan, despite his age.

He's a more athletic option in the heart of the defence than Bonucci, using his impressive physical tools and natural aggression to muscle opponents off the ball. But like most Italian defenders, he's been coached well and won't rush into tackles and risk needless fouls.

Milan will do everything possible to keep hold of him for the foreseeable future, and after only moving to the Italian fashion capital last summer, it's difficult to see why Romagnoli would want to leave the Rossoneri at this point in time.

The idea he's “likely” to sign for the Blues makes little sense, although Chelsea could still tempt the Rossoneri with a big offer next summer.

Follow @ReverschPass