David Luiz opts for mega-rich French side over Barcelona switch
Published:
It’s not often that a player passes up the opportunity to strut their stuff at the Nou Camp but that is exactly what Chelsea defender David Luiz has opted to do.
The Brazilian has been targeted by the Catalans who were alerted by his frustration at being used sparingly by Chelsea boss Jose Mourniho.
The self-styled Special One has been in two minds as to where best to use Luiz – either at centre half or centre midfield – and this had made the La Liga giants – who have a track record of successfully merging the two positions – favourite to land their man.
However, PSG’s desire to improve in the Champions League has seen the French champions steal a march on their rivals and the Blues are now in advanced talks over a deal that could reach £50m.
This would represent a good deal for the west London outfit – who shelled out £23.5m to land Luiz from Benfica – and mitigate the costs of the incoming Diego Costa.
Luiz has enjoyed a great deal of success at Chelsea – lifting both the FA Cup and Champions League trophies – but his lack of an assured position and Chelsea’s desire to be on the right side of financial fair play regulations means a deal is likely to be pushed through.
Chelsea are 9/4 favourites to wrestle the Premier League crown away from Manchester City next term and Mourinho is sure to use any cash from the Luiz deal to bolster his attack.
Reports suggest the Costa transfer is a done deal but with Samuel Eto’o having already left and Fernando Torres, Demba Ba and Romelu Lukaku all uncertain about their futures further striking reinforcements are expected.
Didier Drogba is one name that has been mentioned after he called time on his spell with Galatasaray, while Uruguay ace Edinson Cavani is also on Mourinho’s radar after growing frustrated at being played out of position at PSG.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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