Abramovich to finance world record bid for Conte’s ideal defender

Roman Abramovich has told Chelsea manager Antonio Conte that he will finance a world record £60m bid for Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci in January, according to The Daily Telegraph.

The Chelsea owner is willing to bankroll serious investment in the January transfer window following their underwhelming start to the season, with their defence the main area of concern.

Conte’s side failed in their attempts to sign Bonucci in the summer, but they are willing to throw the kitchen sink at the Juventus defender even if there may not be a chance to get him.

Since August 2009 only three outfielders have completed more accurate long balls than Bonucci (1421).

For more stats on Leonardo Bonucci, click here to visit his WhoScored player page