Barcelona have turned down the chance of signing Chelsea defender David Luiz on two separate occasions, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The Catalan publication reports that Luiz was initially offered to Barca by Kia Joorabchian’s associate Giuliano Bertolucci, but the La Liga side were said to have rejected the opportunity to sign the Brazilian.
It is reported that as Luiz would not be willing to be third choice centre half behind Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti, it would not be a good move for either party. In addition, the fact that he can’t play for Barcelona in the Champions League, as well as demanding high wages, would make the deal unworkable.
Following the initial approach, it then became apparent that Chelsea boss Antonio Conte was willing to sanction the move. Barca turned down the chance once again as they need transfer funds to sign Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho, and manager Ernesto Valverde does not see a place for the 30 year old in his squad.
