AC Milan sporting director Leonardo has revealed that defender Leonardo Bonucci is eyeing a return to Juventus after spending just one season at the club.
Leonardo, who recently returned to the Milan club to take on the sporting director role, stated that he had already begun discussions with clubs over the possible sale of Bonucci.
“I’ve met with a range of clubs, including Juventus,” the Brazilian stated in his inaugural press conference after being appointed as the sporting director.
“The desire (to talk to Juve) came from him, so if the conditions are right, we’ll try to make it happen.”
Leonardo’s confirmation of Bonucci’s desire to leave the Milan club comes just two days after head coach Gennaro Gattuso had admitted the same. Bonucci had joined Milan from Juventus in a €42 million deal last year in a summer that saw the Italian giants spend more than €200m in total.
Leonardo has returned to Milan in the sporting director role.
The side finished a dismal sixth in Serie A last season and saw American hedge fund Elliott Management take over control of the club from the former Chinese owners this summer after their failure to repay the €32m debt.
The hedge fund has promised an infusion of €50m in the transfer window as they seek to get the former European heavyweights back on track.
During his press conference, Leonardo also confirmed that Gattuso will continue to function in the head coach role despite former Chelsea and Juventus manager Antonio Conte being linked to the job.
“I and the club agree. Gattuso was the first person to be confirmed,” the Brazilian said.
“He is a coach who is constantly developing, he is a Milan man and it’s with him that we will begin.”