Transfer Centre

Arsenal 'lining up surprise £30m move for David Luiz'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 19 December 2017

Arsenal reportedly emerge as surprise contenders to sign out-of-favour Chelsea defender David Luiz, who has also been linked with Manchester United and Real Madrid.

Arsenal are reportedly lining up a surprise £30m bid for out-of-favour Chelsea defender David Luiz ahead of the January transfer window.

Luiz has made just one start across all competitions since October following a bust-up with manager Antonio Conte, falling down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge before sustaining a knee injury.

The Brazilian's future in West London is now in doubt, with a number of Europe's top clubs understood to be interested in him.

Juventus, Real Madrid and Manchester United are among those to have been linked, and The Express now claims that Arsenal have joined the race for the 30-year-old.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is looking to bolster his defensive options when the transfer window reopens next month and has reportedly made Luiz his top target due to the Brazilian's ability to play in defence or midfield.

However, Chelsea are reluctant to sell to a direct top-four and London rival, while Luiz's preferred option is understood to be staying at Stamford Bridge, providing he wins his place back in the first team.