Chelsea have reportedly put a staggering £45m transfer cap for David Luiz to rebuff the Cataluña club Barcelona. It’s been a while since the Spanish giants have been in a search for the Brazilian international.
Bayern Munich and Barcelona have been heavily linked up this summer with the 26-year old central defender. But Blues’ manager Jose Mourinho never felt to sell off Luiz. While Bayern manager Pep Guardiola has distanced himself from the speculation, Barcelona are still in the hunt for a proficient central back.
Quoted by the Mirror, Barcelona are keen to pay £30million for the central defender, but could struggle to up their bid to the Stamford Bridge club’s valuation
Barca vice-president Javier Faus says”We will prioritise the economic issue. It will not be influenced by economics but neither will we go crazy.”
Before moving to the West London club in Januray 2011, Luiz spent four and a half years with the Portuguese club Benfica. It was only after moving to Chelsea that the player caught attentions and subsequently became a regular for his International side Brazil. He appeared 109 times for Chelsea and Luiz is considered as one of the mainstay of the current team.
In other news, Blues legend Didier Drogba has backed his former boss Jose Mourinho recently. Currently serving Turkish side Galatasaray, Drogba is now in North London to compete in the Emirates Cup. After helping his team to beat Porto 1-0, the player said:
“Everyone knows what I think about him, especially as he [Mourinho] is now back at Chelsea.
“It is a big challenge for him but he has some amazing players and they can win the title. Chelsea beat Manchester United last season and had a long season, but this season is going to be different and I think they will do well.”
At the start of the transfer window, rumours spread that Drogba may return to Stamford Bridge after Jose Mourinho takes over the Blues as a manager for the second time. The 34-year old veteran has three Premier League titles, four FA Cups and the Champions League during his eight years at Stamford Bridge.