Chelsea round-up: Talks held with Bonucci; Costa talks stall; contact for Everton midfielder

Fri 9 June 2017 19:00, UK

Italian newspaper report that Chelsea have held initial talks with Juventus central defender Leonardo Bonucci as they prepare a £48.6 million bid. The 30-year-old could head to Stamford Bridge this summer after being linked with a move which never materialised this time last year. The move will form part of Antonio Conte’s plans to reinforce his defence with quality and depth.

The Italian stalwart played under Conte for both Italy and Juventus and enjoyed great success as part of his back three, meaning he could bring that valuable experience to Stamford Bridge in time for the 2017/18 season.

However, it is increasingly clear that Diego Costa will have no role to play in that campaign. The suggest though, that a potential move to AC Milan could be on the verge of collapse due to his £200,000 per week wage demands.

The huge demands could lead to the San Siro outfit trying to secure a loan deal, with Chelsea paying part of his wages. Whilst far from ideal, the 28-year-old’s decision to go public with his imminent exit means that they will be desperate to get rid however possible and as quickly as possible.

One man tipped to replace him is striker Romelu Lukaku, but claim that he may not be the only Everton player to move to Chelsea this summer. They report that midfielder Idrissa Gueye could make the move to west London only one year after moving to Merseyside, with his impressive form catching the eye.

Gueye has been likened to N’Golo Kante in style and may provide the perfect cover with added fixtures next season. That said, any deal seems unlikely if the interest is real with the Toffees thought to have ruled out a potential sale.

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Chelsea round-up: Talks held with Bonucci; Costa talks stall; contact for Everton midfielder