Manchester City Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Leonardo Bonucci, Toni Kroos
Juventus and Leonardo Bonucci have reportedly already held talks regarding a new contract to ensure thatย Manchester City and Chelsea don't make another approach for his services, while both the Citizens and Manchester United are said to be preparing for a transfer battle for Real Madrid star Toni Kroos.
According to Tuttosport (h/t Football Italia), Bonucci's entourage has already met with the Bianconeri to discuss a contract extension amid new rumours linking the centre-back with Chelsea.
Calcionews24 (via Football Italia) reported the Blues' major defensive struggles early in the 2016-17 campaign have led the club back to the Italian.
The Citizens had an offer rejected during the summer, and they too have had their share of defensive struggles to start the new season. Summer signing John Stones appears to be fitting in just fine, but given Vincent Kompany's persistent injury problems, there's a need for another experienced defender.
The 29-year-old recently confirmed there was an offer on the table from the Premier League, and he was tempted to accept it, per Mediaset Premium (h/t Football Italia):
"If I said that I wasnโt tempted this summer by an offer from England, above all for the coach that wanted me, then that would be a lie.
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.
"
Rumours the Bianconeri are preparing a new deal for the Italy international surfaced as soon as the summer transfer window opened, but so far, there has been little news on the subject.
Bonucci has emerged as aย top player for Juventus over the last few years, forming one of the world's finest defensive units along with Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli.
Usually playing in the centre of a back three, he stands out for his remarkable distribution and tackling skills, relying more on timing and vision rather than raw strength. As shared by OptaPaolo, his passing stats suggest he would be a fantastic fit in manager Pep Guardiola's City squad, which is built around ball retention:
Here's a look at some of his highlights:
He's one of Juventus' most popular players and the youngest of their three star defenders, so convincing the club to sell their prized asset seems almost impossible. The man himself continues to pledge his allegiance to the Bianconeri at every turn, and a transfer in the near future is highly unlikely.
Elsewhere, Spanish journalist Pipi Estrada made an appearance on the TVย show El Chiringuito and said City and United will go head-to-head for the services of Real star Kroosย (h/tย Daily Star'sย Colin Harvey).
"A war of two great coaches of international prestige, Guardiola and Mourinho, for a player, a player of Real Madrid: Toni Kroos," Estrada said.ย "The two managers believe that he may be key to their future because of his tactical position on the field and because he is vital for the continuity of their projects."
Per the report, the former Bayern Munich man almost moved to Old Trafford in 2014, but then-United manager Louis van Gaal turned down the deal, opening the door for his move to the Spanish capital.
Kroos has become a vital part of Real's midfield since then, and the 26-year-old is yet to give any indication he would be open to a transfer. Combined with his importance to Los Blancos, it's hard to imagine him making the move to Manchester, even if both teams get involved.
