Barcelona linked with surprise move for Chelsea defender

Spanish giants Barcelona have today been linked with a move for Chelsea defender David Luiz.

Gifted stopper

30-year-old central defender Luiz is currently enjoying his second spell at Stamford Bridge, having made his comeback to the club from PSG for a fee of around £34 million last summer.

While his return was originally met with mixed reviews from fans of the club, his signing proved to be an inspired piece of business from Antonio Conte and co., as Luiz performed brilliantly at the heart of the Blues’ defence for the entirety of last season.

The former Benfica man proved crucial in helping Chelsea to secure the Premier League title, with it having been widely agreed that the formerly-impulsive stopper had finally matured into the top-class defender that he had so long shown glimpses of being.

Imminent departure?

However, the current campaign has proven a very different story, with the struggles endured by Chelsea’s backline to this point in the season having coincided with a dip in form for Luiz.

The South American was dropped for the Blues’ recent Premier League clash with Manchester United, with Antonio Conte admitting after his side’s 1-0 victory that he is no longer certain of Luiz’s place at the club:

‘I don’t know [if he has a future at Chelsea], he has to work really hard with the others, otherwise they are on the bench or in the stand.’

Spain bound?

Unsurprisingly, Conte’s admission led to immediate links between Luiz and a number of Europe’s top clubs, with La Liga giants Barcelona the latest side touted as a potential destination for the Selecao international.

With Javier Mascherano hinting at a departure from the Camp Nou in the near future, and Yerry Mina (who will arrive at the club next year from Palmeiras) having no European experience under his belt, the Blaugrana are reportedly on the lookout for central defensive reinforcements.

And, as per a number of outlets in the English press this morning, the board at the La Liga leaders view Luiz, who is of course renowned for his abilities on the ball, as an ideal arrival at the club next summer.