Manchester City have been served a decisive blow in their pursuit of Leonardo Bonucci after the centre-back signed a new five-year deal with Juventus.
Bonucci has been heavily linked with a move to City since starring at Euro 2016 with Italy and even rejected the chance to link up with Pep Guardiola in Manchester during the summer.
City are expected to strengthen defensively in January following their shortcomings in that department so far this season, but will now be forced to consider alternative options, although a deal to sign Bonucci in January was always going to be a long shot.
OFFICIAL: @bonucci_leo19 extends Juventus contract until 2021. https://t.co/4En6yh5Gku #Bonucci2021 pic.twitter.com/8CiCNp7hdi
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) December 19, 2016
The 28-year-old, who is currently sidelined until the end of January with a thigh injury, has agreed to five more years with Juventus, keeping him at the club until at least 2021.
In the last three Serie A campaigns Bonucci has completed more passes in his own half than any other player (2,899).
For more stats on Leonardo Bonucci, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
