Chelsea Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Leonardo Bonucci and Ousmane Dembele

Chelsea's hopes of signing Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci have reportedly taken a hit after it emerged Barcelona are the new favourites to secure his services. Meanwhile, Blues target Ousmane Dembele is said to have snubbed a move to Barca.

According to Italian newspaper Tuttosport (h/t Metro's Coral Barry), the Blaugrana are ahead of Chelsea and Manchester City in the hunt for Bonucci, although the Bianconeri have no interest in cutting a deal.

The 30-year-old was linked with a move to Stamford Bridge when manager Antonio Conte moved to the west London club last summer, having won won three consecutive Serie A titles together at the Turin club between 2011 and 2014.

Bonucci is arguably the most coveted central defender in Italy's top flight and has reigned at the core of Italy's national team for several years, leading football writer David Amoyal to doubt any sale could come to fruition:

Chelsea are looking to fill the void left by veteran John Terry's departure, although Andreas Christensen has returned to the club from a two-year loan spell with Borussia Monchengladbach and could be utilised.

The Mirror's David McDonnell recently reported on Chelsea's pursuit of AS Roma defender Antonio Rudiger, who looks set to arrive at the club. Goal's Nizaar Kinsella insisted another elite investment could be made on top of the German's signing:

Conte's three-man defence relies so heavily on the strength of its centre-backs that one could hardly blame the Italian for wanting to improve his options ahead of Chelsea's return to the UEFA Champions League.

That being said, it's debatable as to whether he could convince Juve to part ways with one of their most treasured assets. And news of Barcelona's superior position in the hunt will hardly come as welcome.

Elsewhere, the Daily Star reported Borussia Dortmund ace Dembele has turned down a move to Barcelona, who were said to be willing to pay as much as £75 million for his signature (h/t the Sunday Express' David Wright).

Marca's Chris Winterburn didn't hold back when recently describing the talent Dembele possesses, much of which was demonstrated during a whirlwind maiden campaign at Signal Iduna Park:

It's pleasing news for the Blues, who have themselves been linked with a move for the former Rennes starlet of late, although he's also said to have held a meeting with City manager Pep Guardiola.

Convincing the Black and Yellows to cash in on their 20-year-old French star so early in his BVB career seems unlikely in any case, but Chelsea may feel his choice to turn down Barca gives them hope in any future chase.