Benfica have confirmed that they have received an offer from Chelsea for David Luiz and they are involved in negotiations. It is further proof that Chelsea are getting close to signing the Brazilian defender, who has been of great interest to Carlo Ancelotti for the past year or so. It is rumoured that Chelsea have had a £21 million bid plus the offer of Nemanja Matic rejected. Benfica were believed to be holding out for a transfer fee of £26 million. It seems that they are not interested in any kind of player swapping. David Luiz, 23, is highly rated talent, but is it worth spending almost striker money for a defender?
Benfica have confirmed that they are in negotiations with Chelsea in a statement released by the club.
“A negotiation process is currently ongoing and the market will be informed when it is completed.”
Chelsea currently have three international players for the central defence position and the arrival of David Luiz is expected to add some competition to it. With Alex’s long-term absence, the central defence has been a position of concern and the arrival of David Luiz will provide some much needed backing to the partnership of John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic. The presence of David Luiz will only be a problem when Alex gets fit. Carlo Ancelotti will have to keep four defenders happy then, although he can shift Branislav Ivanovic to the right back position. If this transfer goes through, then one can expect Jeffrey Bruma to be leaving the club, albeit on loan. West Bromwich Albion are reportedly interested in signing the Dutch U-21 international on loan till the end of the season.
Either way, it finally seems that Roman Abramovich has finally opened his purse for Ancelotti. However, it does seem a little bit funny that Chelsea are involved in negotiations with £2 million Steven Pienaar and the next week, the club is involved in negotiations with £26 million David Luiz. It is truly a crazy world at Stamford Bridge!
Submitted by Chelsea True Blue
