Rumour: Chelsea to let David Luiz leave the club in the summer

David Luiz

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is willing to allow centre-back David Luiz leave the club in the summer.

The Brazilian defender was hauled off at half time after he produced a <lacklustre performance during Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Parkand his future at the club is now in doubt.

When the Portuguese boss returned to Stamford Bridge for a second spell in charge last summer rumours quickly began to circulate that Luiz was not the type of defender that Mourinho has put his faith in throughout his managerial career and the 26-year-old would struggle to adapt.

Mourinho prefers defenders that are solid in the air and boast nigh on perfect positional skills while Luiz often strays forward and suffers from lapses of concentration.

Due to the formidable partnership forged between John Terry and Gary Cahill, Luiz has often been deployed in a holding midfield role but Mourinho’s patience now appears to have run out.

With Chelsea’s transfer dealings set to be restricted by the Financial Fair Play regulations, Mourinho is well aware that he is likely to have to spend before he can make much needed additions to his squad.

Spanish giants Barcelona have shown a strong interest in Luiz in the past, along with several of Europe’s biggest clubs, and if he is made available a flurry of bids for his services is expected.

According to the Mirror, a price of £35 million will be enough to prise the former Benfica man away from Stamford Bridge, which will allow Mourinho to pursue other targets, including Atletico Madrid forward Diego Costa.

David Luiz has won just 15 tackles in the Premier League season, the lowest total of any Chelsea defender.

Luiz Duel Success