According to L’Equipe, David Luiz is keen on leaving Chelsea to join Arsenal this summer. As a result, the two clubs are in talks over the potential transfer of the Brazilian international. The Blues are reluctant to let go of one of their star players. But, it is believed that the player is adamant on leaving the club, having refused to train with the team today.
Luiz’s mixed spell at Chelsea
Luiz has had a topsy turvy spell at Chelsea since returning to the club back in 2016. The ex-PSG star was a mainstay in the Blues backline during the 2016/17 campaign as the West Londoners lifted the title under Antonio Conte’s first season in charge.
However, Luiz suffered an unfortunate ankle as well as a knee injury the following season, which resulted in the Brazilian spending most of the time on the sidelines. The 32-year-old was also involved in a spat with Conte. He ended up featuring in only ten matches in the corresponding campaign.
That being said, Luiz once again became a first-team regular for Chelsea last season under Maurizio Sarri. He made 36 league appearances, helping the club secure Champions League qualification for the upcoming 2019/20 season.
What can he offer to the table?
A centre-back by trade, Luiz is known for his aggression and tenacity in the defensive half. The Brazilian is a fierce and competent individual, who always looks to motivate his side and win back possession for his team. He is also a good reader of the game.
Furthermore, Luiz is a versatile defender as he can feature as a holding midfielder as well as right-back, if necessary. However, what makes him such a well-established defender is his vast experience in English football, having made almost 250 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions.
Is Luiz a viable target for Arsenal?
Luiz’s move to Arsenal is a match made in heaven. The Gunners are actively searching for a leader at the back following the departure of Laurent Koscielny to Bordeaux. And the Brazilian, in that regard, appear as the ideal alternative for the ex-club captain.
As iterated earlier, Luiz has a vast experience in the Premier League and shouldn’t take time settling into life at Emirates. Besides, his partnership with an equally competent defender in Sokratis Papastathopoulos could add a lot of solidity to the Arsenal backline.
However, the Gunners need to move swiftly, with the transfer window in England slamming shut tomorrow afternoon. Also, the fact that Chelsea have a transfer ban means they cannot get a replacement for the Brazilian if he ends up leaving the club. That means Chelsea will be looking to keep hold of their prized defender beyond tomorrow’s deadline.
