According to reports in Spain, Chelsea defender David Luiz has told the club that he wants to quit in order to join Spanish giants FC Barcelona this summer.
The Brazilian centre-back is on the top of Barca’s new manager, Gerardo Martino’s wish-list as he eyes defensive reinforcements after last season saw the Catalan club fall short at the back.
Injuries to Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique last season saw manager at the time, Tito Vilanova, have to play the likes of Javier Mascherano and Alex Song at the heart of the defence.
Luiz has been at Chelsea for two and a half years now since his £25million move from Portuguese side Benfica and despite starting life off in England slowly, Luiz has quickly become one of the Premier League’s best central defenders and also has a rare talent of playing in centre-mid as well.
After Barcelona failed in their pursuit for Thiago Silva, their attentions have turned to The Blues’ defender and after having a £25millio bid laughed off, it is thought the Catalan club are preparing to make another bid, especially after reports suggested the defender wants out of Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s new boss, Jose Mourinho questioned the 26-year-old’s ability earlier on in the summer which initially raised eyebrows about the Brazilian’s future, but since then, the former Real Madrid manager has revealed that he doesn’t intend to sell the player at all this summer.
A team-mate of Luiz has been talking about the transfer saga, and Brazilian and Barca defender Dani Alves is hoping that Luiz will join him at the Nou Camp.
‘I always want the best for my friends and I tell them to come here if they can. As well as that, he is a great player.
‘The problem is not whether he wants to come, but that in the end you have to get away from Mourinho – and that is not going to be easy.
‘The idea of facilitating David Luiz coming to Barca would not pass through his head, and even less if it is to strengthen us. It is more than difficult for us, almost impossible.’
