Chelsea and Brazilian Defender on the Brink of Leaving Stamford Bridge

David Luiz is reportedly on the verge of leaving Stamford Bridge for Arsenal before the transfer window shuts down. The Brazilian defender has been rumoured that he wants a move away from Chelsea.

The 32-year-old defender is expected to complete the move on the morning of the deadline of the transfer window. The centre-back was given a two-year extension recently despite a protocol that governs Chelsea regarding players over 30 years old.

Luiz was said to have trained away from the rest of team last Wednesday. Gunner’s head coach, Unai Emery said that wants a reliable centre-back on his squad, and wants that player before the transfer deadline day. Luiz name was among the names that he shortlisted but no formal bid was given at this point. Unai wants to replace  Laurent Koscielny who refused to travel with the club for their pre-season tour in USA.

“If we can on the last day, we will try to sign another centre-back, but one who has the capacity to help us,” the Gunner’s boss said.

“We have a lot of defensive players. Maybe, it is different when Laurent Koscielny tells us he wanted to leave.

“We tried to sign some important, expensive players for our defence. But when we can’t do that, the second line players don’t really convince us to sign them.”

Luiz is the only player in Chelsea’s history that have been featured in 3 European trophy final victory. Gary Cahill has 3 medals but played only twice.

The Blues are hesitant to let go of Luiz or any other player at this point, citing the ban that was slapped against the club. Chelsea’s new manager, Frank Lampard earlier said that he wants to keep the players as much as possible and wants to give them a fresh start with the club.

Tensions however have risen after the squad have returned from Austria. The Brazilian fears that he may not be in Lampard’s plan this season. Lampard is believed to have made a decisive move and is said to have agreed to let go of Luiz for £8 million.

Chlesea confirmed that the Brazilian international was not present during their training but quickly added that Luiz did not go on strike amid risen tensions at Cobham.

Aside from Luiz, Arsenal is also keen in signing Kieran Tierney from Celtic. It is believed that the Gunners and Celtic have agreed on the fee for Tierney.

The left-back is expected to go to London and sign a contract before the deadline. Also interested to add the Brazilian to their squad is Everton.