Blues boss Antonio Conte is a huge fan of the 30-year-old, having coached him during his time in charge as Italy and Juventus.

And he demanded that the board sign him a top-class centre-back with Bonucci heading the list.

But after having their interest rebuffed by the Italian champions, Chelsea have looked at alternatives such as Southampton's Virgil van Dijk and Roma star Antonio Rudiger.

As a result, Barcelona have stolen a march on Bonucci according to Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport.

The Catalan club are looking for world-class reinforcements after a poor year under Luis Enrique.

And new boss Ernesto Valverde has freed up space in his defence after letting French defender Jeremy Mathieu go on trial at Sporting Lisbon.

But Chelsea had hoped that Conte's links to the player would persuade him to move to London.

Juventus are believed to be asking for around £60m (€70m) for the ex-Bari star.