Chelsea and Manchester City’s pursuit for Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has taken a big blow as the Italian champions are all set to offer him a new bumper contract that will make the defender one of the best-paid players at the club.

During the summer, the Italy international was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge and English news outlet The Sum also claimed that the defender was interested in joining his former boss Antonio Conte at London. Later on, he became a prime target for City boss Pep Guardiola who wanted to bolster his defence. Guardiola reportedly wanted to lure the defender away from Juventus with a five-year contract worth a whopping €8 million per annum. However, nothing concrete materialised as the defender, although flattered by the interest, expressed his desire to remain in Italy.

And now pleased by the defender’s loyalty, the Italian champions want to reward the 29-year old by extending his current contract, which ends in 2020, until 2021 and increasing his annual wage to a whooping €5 million, plus bonuses.

According to reports, Juventus CEO Beppe Marotta has already met with the defender’s agent, Alessandro Lucci, to discuss on the new contract for the defender who has helped them win 5 league titles and 2 Coppa Italia trophies.

With the agent sharing a good relationship with the club, it seems that the defender is all set to stay at Italy for a long time.