Arsenal are reportedly the team that is leading the chase for Chelsea superstar David Luiz, who is also a target for Manchester United.
According to an exclusive report from Express, Arsenal are the shock frontrunners in pursuit of David Luiz. The Chelsea superstar has seen his status at Stamford Bridge come under question amidst reports of a bust-up with the manager and has also been linked with Manchester United and others.
David Luiz is an energetic and charismatic character that is necessary in almost every dressing room. His stints at Chelsea have brought much success to the club. While the player was often questioned as to his defensive maturity in his first stint at Stamford Bridge, his return saw him take on the mantle of being the central pillar of a back-three and go about his new duty with aplomb.
However, the 2017-18 campaign has been a bit of a lull for the player. Chelsea have managed to recover back to second on the Premier League table before the turn of the year. But, reports of bust-up with the manager were followed by Conte benching the Brazilian for a fair number of matches.
Luiz has since returned to the lineup, only to succumb to an injury, which is set to keep him out for an indefinite period. The injury and the change in his role at Stamford Bridge has encouraged other clubs to try out their luck.
Arsenal have emerged as surprise candidates to sign David Luiz, who may seek a move away from Chelsea to keep his career alive. Juventus is another possible destination. [Daily Express] pic.twitter.com/ktZkpDvcKQ
— Arsenal TSN (@ArsenalTSN) January 2, 2018
The interest from Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle has also received a virtual boost through reports of Antonio Conte being willing to offload the player in January, if a considerate offer comes Chelsea’s way.
Manchester United’s interest does not come as a surprise. Luiz was one of Mourinho’s go-to men at Chelsea and the manager could do with such a character within the squad. Add to that the increased maturity that the Brazilian has shown in his second stint, which might have Mourinho believe the defender can don a leadership role at the back for United.
But, it is Arsenal who have taken the lead in the race to sign David Luiz. The Gunners have seen a recent change of formation from a back four to a back three. David Luiz’s newly gathered experience in a back-three along with his experience in the Premier League, makes him an apt target for Arsene Wenger in January.
Luiz could also prefer a move to Arsenal over Manchester United. For one, the player would not have to move homes by staying in London itself.
Along with the ease of Arsenal being located within the same city, there is also a case for the player becoming an automatic starter at the Emirates when he arrives, something that cannot be guaranteed at Old Trafford, especially with the presence of Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Marcos Rojo and Victor Lindelof among others.
A price is yet to be mentioned, but if Chelsea do want to do a deal for Luiz, Arsenal could just be the next stop for the Brazilian.
