Antonio Conte eyes crucial first Chelsea signing ahead of Stamford Bridge switch

ANTONIO CONTE wants to replace John Terry with Juventus ace Leonardo Bonucci, according to reports in Italy.

Italy coach Conte is expected to finalise terms with Chelsea next week.

And Italian news outlet TuttoMercato claim the experienced boss will make a move for the 28-year-old defender in the summer.

Club captain Terry is set to leave Stamford Bridge after no new contract offer has materialised.

And it’s thought that Conte views the Italy international as the ideal replacement.

But Conte might have to battle Manchester Cityfor his signature.

Incoming City chief Pep Guardiola is a long-term admirer and could also make a move.

Speaking after Bayern Munich’s Champions League clash with Juventus last month, Guardiola expressed his admiration for the star.

He said: “Did you really think we could come here and expect to dominate for 90 minutes against a side with Pogba, Mandzukic, Morata, Bonucci – one of my favourite ever players – Buffon and all these characters?”

Since joining the club from Bari in 2010, Bonucci has made 189 appearances for the Old Lady, scoring 11 goals.