Leonardo Bonucci ends Chelsea speculation by signing new Juventus contract

Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has ended talk of a move to Chelsea by signing a new contract with the Bianconeri until 2021.

Both the Blues and Premier League rivals Manchester City attempted to prise the 29-year-old defender away from Juventus last summer. The centre-half enjoyed another stellar Serie A-winning campaign last season, form replicated for Italy in Euro 2016 as part of the club and country "BBBC" alongside fellow defensive stalwarts Gianluigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli.

Following Antonio Conte's appointment at Stamford Bridge, Bonucci was the subject of intense interest from Chelsea amid claims Conte was eager to make his former player his long-term replacement for John Terry.

While Chelsea would eventually pay £30m to bring David Luiz back to the club on the final day of the summer transfer window, The Daily Telegraph claimed in October Bonucci remains Conte's "dream signing", adding the club were prepared to pay £60m for the Italy international.

Those plans have been today (19 December) dealt a decisive blow after confirmation of Bonucci's new deal. The defender also tweeted: "I've chosen to stay at a place where I've become a great among greats. I have one goal - to keep on winning!" The defender is currently sidelined with a thigh injury.

Despite missing out on the Italy defender, Chelsea have not fared too badly at the back this term. Following losses to Liverpool and Arsenal, Conte made the decision to revert to his favoured 3-5-2 formation, with Victor Moses and Marcos Alonso deployed as wing-backs ahead of a regular back three of Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz and Gary Cahill.

Chelsea have conceded just two goals in their last 11 games since the defeat to Arsenal and now comfortably boast the best goal difference in the league. Conte's side are now also guaranteed to be sat top of the league on Christmas Day, having opened up a seven point gap after Saturday's win over Crystal Palace.