Reports: Real Madrid ready to spend £55 million for 'world's best' defender

What’s the story?

Real Madrid are set to undergo a huge change in the summer transfer window and they are looking to sign Juventus star Leonardo Bonucci to shore up their defence. According to reports in Don Balon, the Spanish giants might be offloading Raphael Varane in the summer and with Pepe’s contract also running out, Los Blancos are looking at the experienced Italian to really improve the squad next season.

Raphael Varane has long been linked with a move to Manchester United and with the 23-year-old’s attitude reportedly questioned by Zidane, the Frenchman might finally move to the Premier League this season. Bonucci has been earmarked as an ideal addition for Real Madrid’s backline.

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Pepe’s contract is running out at the end of the season and with Manchester United showing concrete interest in Varane, Los Blancos are desperate to sign a world class defender. Bonucci who has often been called the world’s best centre-back has been linked with both Manchester City and Real Madrid and the Spanish giants will have to bid in the excess of £50 million to sign the Italian defender.

The heart of the matter

Future Manchester United star?

It promises to be a summer of huge change at Real Madrid with plenty of big names set to enter and exit the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer transfer window. Varane, who is just 23, has been tipped for great things but form, fitness and attitude concerns could see him work again with Jose Mourinho at Manchester United.

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are desperate to sign Bonucci as well, but Madrid’s greater power and lure in the transfer market might just convince the Italian to move to Madrid ahead of Manchester.

What’s next?

Real Madrid will be focussed on ending the season well and winning both the League and the Champions League. Bonucci, on the other hand, has been in fine form once again for Juventus and he will be determined to guide the Old Lady to an elusive Champions League triumph this season.

Author’s take

Leonardo Bonucci is one of the best (if not the best) defenders in the world and with Pepe and possibly Varane as well set to depart Madrid, Los Blancos should definitely jump at the opportunity and do everything in their power to sign the experienced Italian defender.