Zambrotta next for Chelsea? Tuesday 22 March, 2005
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Juventus are today being linked with two young Italian defenders but they may lose Gianluca Zambrotta to Chelsea.
Andrea Barzagli of Palermo and Parma’s Daniele Bonera are set to be targeted as the Old Lady look to strengthen an already mean defence for next season.
However, Zambrotta has become a target for free spending Chelsea, with Coach Jose Mourinho having already identified the need for a top quality left-back.
It now seems unlikely that Chelsea will purchase Arsenal defender Ashley Cole and Zambrotta could be a more feasible target for the London outfit.
The Bianconeri may be persuaded in selling their outstanding full-back for a fee of around £15m, especially as the highly-rated Giorgio Chiellini is set to return to Turin once his loan period with Fiorentina ends.
Chiellini, currently on full Azzurri duty, could be joined in Turin by two other Italian internationals.
Bonera has been one of Parma’s most consistent performers this season and an offer of £3.5m may be enough to tempt the Tardini outfit to sell.
The 24-year-old, who was already strongly linked with the Turin giants last summer, can play at both centre-back and right-back.
Meanwhile, Barzagli has become a regular in the national squad after a series of commanding performances at the heart of Palermo’s defence this term.
Should the former Chievo and Under-21 ace leave the Renzo Barbera, Palermo will step up their attempt to sign Cesare Bovo on a permanent basis.
The latter is co-owned by the Sicilian club along with Roma, but has been playing for Parma this season
source: channel4.com