Chelsea defender David Luiz has reportedly refused to train as he looks to push through a move to London rivals Arsenal before the British transfer window ends.
According to The Sun, there has been a dramatic development at Chelsea regarding the future of David Luiz. The Brazilian is reportedly courting interest from Arsenal and wants to move to the London rivals. Luiz has refused to train at the club and is looking to push through a move.
Arsenal have been looking for a centre-back and have intensified their efforts since the departure of club captain Laurent Koscielny. The Gunners have had two bids rejected for RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano and are embroiled in a transfer battle with Wolves for Juventus star Daniele Rugani.
David Luiz is among options Arsenal working on for centre-back – delicate but not for 1st time (see 31/01/18) #AFC keen. Kieran Tierney remains a target, Eddie Nketiah still deciding but likely Leeds, Alex Iwobi will happen IF Everton make suitable offer #EFC #LUFC #CFC #CelticFC
— David Ornstein (@bbcsport_david) August 7, 2019
David Luiz could prove to be a brilliant option in desperate times for Arsenal. The Brazilian is already well-versed with Premier League football and has been a leader figure at the back during his second stint at Chelsea so far.
That the player is 32 could also play into the hands of Arsenal, meaning that the Brazilian could be a short-term replacement as the Brazilian could ultimately pave the way for William Saliba, who will join the squad next summer.
David Luiz has had a brilliant second stint at Chelsea since joining from Paris Saint-Germain in 2016. The Brazilian was key as Chelsea grabbed a Premier League title, a Europa League and an FA Cup trophy during the period. Luiz though, is unlikely to be in the plans at Chelsea for long.
With Chelsea not able to sign players in the current transfer window and club talisman Eden Hazard having left the club, there could be questions put on the club’s ability to challenge for trophies in the 2019-20 campaign. Arsenal, on the other hand, have made exciting additions to their squad this summer.
Luiz though, has just signed an extension in May, 2019 and thus, could command a sizeable fee, despite his age. Arsenal don’t have much in their coffers to offer and it will be interesting to see if the Chelsea board pay heed to David Luiz’s demands or if the Brazilian ends up staying at Stamford Bridge.
