Barcelona step up interest in David Luiz

Just a few days after Bayern Munich confirmed that they would not sign David Luiz, Barcelona have decided to step up their interest in the 26-year-old Brazilian.

Chelsea fans adore Luiz as a player and as an individual. Rightly so, because he has demonstrated the kind of qualities that can see him become a captain of the club one day. An incredibly versatile player, Luiz is someone who can fit perfectly into the Barcelona setup. He is extremely good on the ball, while his attacking skills are not too surprising given that he is Brazilian.

Luiz missed the 2-0 win over AC Milan due to injury, while he will also miss the match against Real Madrid as well. He has not been training with the team in the last few days.

According to the Daily Mail, Barcelona football director Raul Sanllehi is travelling to London in order to discuss a potential move. It is well-known that Barcelona are in the market for a new defender. PSG defender Thiago Silva was their number one target. The failure to land the Brazilian has made them pursue other targets.

Chelsea could demand close to £40 million for the player. Luiz was a £21 million signing from Benfica in 2011. Even though this would mean a substantial profit, can Chelsea do without the enigmatic Brazilian?

At least, Mourinho seems to think so. The Portuguese is an extremely shrewd tactician and an advocate of not conceding goals. Luiz has certainly not excelled in these areas. He is also not perfect tactically, while his prone to errors too often.

Mourinho’s comments after the Milan match certainly touches these aspects.

“He has big self-confidence and self-esteem, especially when he comes up from the back with the ball. Can he improve defensively? Of course. But it is my job to try always to improve players,” said Mourinho.

Chelsea, though, will remain in the box seat since the player has four years left on the five-year deal he signed last September.