Chelsea Transfer News: Blues Wise to Place £40 Million Price Tag on David Luiz

With Barcelona showing interest in topflight defender David Luiz, Chelsea have responded admirably, making all of the right moves in order to prevent the Spanish champions from swooping in to capture the Brazilian star. 

According to The Mirror's John Cross, the Blues have placed a hefty price tag on Luiz this August in an attempt to crush Barca's hopes of acquiring him before the transfer window closes at the end of the summer, "Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has scared Barcelona off by sticking a £40million price-tag on David Luiz’s head."

Sure, Luiz may have his flaws, with his versatility and desire to move forward sometimes getting him into trouble. But there's no question that Chelsea are much better off with him anchoring their back line.

Especially if Jose Mourinho's squad hopes to contend for the Premier League crown and return to the top of the Champions League throne. 

Plus, the 26-year-old defender is set to enter the prime of his career, and Chelsea have to understand that he was a critical part of their defense a season ago, appearing in 30 league matches for the Blues, who were one of only three squads to concede fewer than 40 goals in the Premier League last season.

Only Manchester City and Arsenal let in fewer goals than Chelsea in 2012-13.

The Blues' 39 goals conceded was seven better than their mark in 2011-12, Luiz's first full season with the club.

If there was any doubt about Luiz's ability to play elite defense, that has been erased in recent years as he's made over two dozen appearances for the Brazilian national team since 2010.

With top-level clubs like Barcelona showing serious interest, Chelsea knows they are on to something with Luiz, and more importantly, have made it clear to their supporters that their No. 1 goal is to contend, not save money.

It's no secret that Chelsea has been a much-improved defensive squad since acquiring Luiz in 2011. Therefore, parting ways with him would set the club back even further as it searches for a topflight striker before the summer transfer window closes. 

Losing Luiz would have been a major setback for Chelsea with less than a month remaining in the transfer window. Although Barcelona are still desperate for a quality central defender, the Blues have likely done enough to keep their defensive standout around.

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