Chelsea ready club-record bid for Juventus star

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is prepared to break the club's transfer record in order to bring Leonardo Bonucci to Stamford Brdge. The Italy international is currently a key player for Juventus, who are eyeing their sixth straight league title.

Bonucci, 29, had been strongly linked with a move to England over the summer with Chelsea and Manchester City being his main suitors.

According to The Telegraph, the Blues will make a desperate attempt to land the centre-half in the New Year with Abramovich willing to cough up a record sum for his services.

The West London giants are prepared to offer fees in excess of £60m, which would make Bonucci the most expensive defender in world football.

Paris Saint-Germain previously paid a £50m sum to recruit David Luiz from Chelsea two years ago. He has since rejoined the Blues on a £34m in the summer transfer window.

Bonucci has appeared in over 275 games for Juventus since arriving from Bari in the 2010-11 season.