Manchester City are set to rival Premier League leaders Chelsea for the signature of Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci.

Pep Guardiola’s side are set to return to action in the Premier League when they take on Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium following the international break.

The Italian defender is rumoured to be at the top of both City and Chelsea’s transfer list, with the two clubs set to go head-to-head in a bid to sign the veteran defender, who has made 31 appearances and scored three goals so far this season.

The Citizens are reportedly preparing to pay €60-million (£52m) to lure Bonucci away from the Italian Serie A side.

However, the 29-year-old rejected a move to the Etihad Stadium last season, with Guardiola hoping to lure the centre-back to the Premier League following his impressive performance in the Euro 2016 campaign with Italy.

The five-time Serie A winner has signed a new contract with Juventus until 2021 in December, but that has not dampened City’s spirit in the hopes of pursuing him.

City are ready to tempt Juventus and Bonucci with another huge offer at the end of the 2016-17 season, according to reports by Italian publication Calcio Mercato.

Over the course of his career, Bonucci has netted a total of 26 goals and has assisted a further nine from 409 appearances in all competitions playing for the likes of Inter Milan, ACD Treviso, AC Pisa 1909, Genoa, FC Bari 1908 and Juventus.

Image: Manchester City website