Former Chelsea star Michael Ballack believes Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci would be a "brilliant" signing for the Blues should Antonio Conte manage to land the 29-year-old in January.
Conte has made strengthening Chelsea's defence a priority since arriving at the club in April but, after failing to land his first-choice targets including Bonucci and Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly this summer, the Italian oversaw the acquisition of David Luiz from Paris Saint-Germain on transfer deadline day instead.
Chelsea have since kept just two clean sheets in the league this season, which has resulted in reports claiming Conte will try and sign Bonucci from Juventus for £60m in the winter transfer window.
And Ballack believes the Italy international, who started for the Azzurri against Spain on Thursday night, would bring much-needed experience to Chelsea's defence although it may not be enough to lead Chelsea back to the Premier League title this season.
"If it is possible to sign such a great player with good experience, it would be brilliant for Chelsea," Ballack said of Bonucci to talkSPORT.
"You see how much money other teams spend - everyone wants to win the league - and I know from the past how difficult it is to win the Premier League.
"Chelsea is a team which had a great time a few years ago and they're looking for great success.
"The place they finished last year was not enough for them and they have different targets, but they have to deliver. There has to be a change with the new coach in terms of playing, the style of play and delivering results, so hopefully it's a better season for them now."
