Real Madrid are hoping to sign Chelsea’s David Luiz as a replacement for Pepe, who is likely going to leave the Santiago Bernabeu this summer, according to reports in the Daily Express.
The original story came from Portuguese newspaper A Bola, who believe that Luiz would cost Real around £29.7 million if they wanted to prise him away from Stamford Bridge. Pepe, on the other hand, they say is on his way to Manchester City with Manuel Pellegrini.
Although I have been highly critical of Luiz since he arrived in 2011 for his rashness and occasional brain farts, I do believe he is the most improved player in our squad over the season and has performed well in both defence and midfield.
Last summer when Barcelona were apparently offering £30 million for the Brazilian I would have bitten your arm off but I wouldn’t see any sense in accepting a similar deal now, especially when he cost us over £20 million as well as Nemanja Matic whose valued has soared this season due to his Benfica form. Luiz is worth more than a club like Real would be willing to pay.
Also, Luiz is starting to look like he could be a potential leader and even John Terry tips him as captain material and there isn’t many players in the squad currently that have that sort of character. The 26-year-old is genuinely proud to pull on the blue shirt and plays with an enthusiasm that is refreshing in the modern game. He still has a lot of improving to do and Jose Mourinho may be the man to stamp the lackadaisical moments out of his game.
He obviously doesn’t want to go anywhere and I highly doubt Chelsea would want to sell one of their better performers this season, so this one is probably paper talk and nothing else.
Source: Express