If recent reports are to be believed then Chelsea may face a tough test in keeping hold of Brazilian defender David Luiz at Stamford Bridge for the duration of the current transfer window.
The Daily Star, via Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, claim that Monday will be a key day as Luiz wants to kick-start negotiations between the two clubs in order to push through a move.
Jose Mourinho recently declared that there was ‘no chance’ of the 26-year-old leaving the West London club this summer which suggests either that Luiz hasn’t stated an intention to leave or the boss is digging his heels in over one of Chelsea’s stars.
Mourinho also spoke of how he admired Luiz’s qualities and was keen to help him improve on certain areas of his game, namely his defensive attributes, and praised his self confidence.
I really doubt Mundo Deportivo‘s claims about the Brazil defender wanting to force an exit from Chelsea at this stage, it just seems out of character from a man that has been caught up in the club’s culture ever since his arrival and was reportedly keen for the club to officially quash leaving talk earlier in the summer as he was tired of being asked about it.
However, it isn’t inconceivable that he would want to play for a club like Barcelona. They’re the La Liga champions, are in the mix for the Champions League most seasons and boast some of the most exciting players in world football, including Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr, Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets.
At the same time Chelsea are blessed with talent, play in a top European League, regularly win silverware and have a top manager in Mourinho.
It all boils down to the player’s choice at the end of the day. If (and it’s a big if) he does have his heart set on the move then there’s not much Chelsea can do as long as Barcelona meet their valuation of the player (I don’t think they can afford him) as it would be hypocritical to force him to stay whilst trying to prise an unhappy Wayne Rooney from Manchester United. Nobody wants a player that isn’t 100% committed to the cause.
But this is probably a bit of media propaganda fuelled by the Catalan club in an attempt to agitate Luiz into considering his options.
Source: Daily Star
Barcelona have left it too late out of their own stupidity. Our season starts next week. Sod trying to find a top class centre back and agreeing a price between now and then.
I’d say Luiz is worth at least £40m by today’s prices and the asking price is £50m if it’s Barca. They can’t afford him, they know we know that they can’t afford him, so they can just feck off