Manchester United have reportedly initiated talks with Chelsea over a move for David Luiz this month, stealing a march on Arsenal in the process

According to an exclusive report by Caught Offside, Manchester United have taken the first step towards securing the services of David Luiz in the winter transfer window. The Red Devils have opened talks with Chelsea for the Brazilian defender, and are looking to beat Arsenal to him.

Luiz’s time at Chelsea, over two spells has been a mixed bag, with the player scaling some heady heights while also plummeting to stunning lows. Last season, the player was an instrumental figure for the Blues as they won the Premier League title, and his performances helped him get into the PFA Team of the Year.

This season has been a struggle for him, even as Chelsea have gone on to steady themselves after a slow start. Luiz reportedly had a bust up with manager Antonio Conte that, in addition to the advent of Andreas Christensen as well as a knee injury, has seen him lose his place as a regular.

The Brazil international only returned to the lineup last weekend as Chelsea played out a goalless draw with Norwich in the FA Cup, and is edging closer to the exit door at Stamford Bridge, if reports are to be believed. With his Chelsea future under a cloud, clubs are in pursuit of Luiz, with Manchester United and Arsenal reportedly interested.

The interest from Manchester United does come as a bit of a surprise, with the likes of Eric Bailly, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Marcos Rojo, Victor Lindelof as well as the versatile Daley Blind at Jose Mourinho’s disposal. But, Mourinho is a huge admirer of Luiz’s talent, and a move could be on the cards.

Manchester United, though, face stiff competition from Arsenal in pursuit of the player. Arsene Wenger, too, has several central defenders at his disposal, with Rob Holding, Calum Chambers, Per Mertesacker and even Mathieu Debuchy available in addition to the first-choice trio of Laurent Koscielny, Shkodran Mustafi and Nacho Monreal.

But, the need to sign a centre-back has accentuated in recent weeks, with Koscielny struggling for form as he deals with a persistent Achilles problem. Furthermore, Per Mertesacker is playing the final campaign of his playing career, and there are doubts over Shkodran Mustafi’s Arsenal future as well.

Arsenal are, thus, in pursuit of Luiz, who could be a short-term solution at the Emirates for the Gunners. The North Londoners were even believed to be leading the race to sign the 30-year-old, but it now looks like Manchester United have gone ahead of them.

The Red Devils have opened talks with Chelsea over a January move for Luiz, although the Blues are wary of selling to a direct rivals after the transfer of Nemanja Matic. Manchester United though, are eager to conclude the deal soon, although they are proceeding cautiously.

It now remains to be seen if Arsenal attempt to take a decisive step in their bid to sign Luiz, and if Manchester United manage to make any progress in talks with the Blues. Luiz’s Chelsea future remains uncertain though, with the Premier League champions open to selling him this month.

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