Barcelona Transfer Rumours: 4 Last-Minute Alternatives for David Luiz

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo emphatically stated that Barcelona transfer target David Luiz is not for sale at any price:

"

He is part of our long-term future here. It's normal he gets interest because he is a Brazilian international centre back but we have three internationals for that position and it's great. We need to have that for a club like us.

"

Luiz has been up and down for Chelsea but the potential to be an elite centre-back is there. His exceptional technique and ability to dictate play from the back are reasons why Barça want him.

Here are four last-minute alternatives for Luiz that Barcelona should consider before the transfer window closes.

4. Roel Brouwers, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Age: 30

What Roel Brouwers gives you is consistency, experience and leadership at the back. He keeps it simple, he’s firm in defence and efficient in possession.

His partnership with Dante was rock-sold, which was mainly the reason why the Brazilian managed to secure a transfer to Bayern Munich.

Last season, Kicker rated Brouwers as the second-best defender behind Mats Hummels.

3. Aurélien Chedjou, Lille, Age: 27

Aurélien Chedjou has been impeccable in distributing possession so far this season—he completes 93.9 percent of his 82 passes per game—Barcelona-like numbers.

He acts as the link between defence and midfield, often connecting with Rio Mavuba.   

In a 2-1 win over Saint-Étienne, Chedjou scored from a header, but more importantly kept the dangerous Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in check.

2. Nicolas N'Koulou, Marseille, Age: 22

Nicolas N'Koulou plays the game in such a serene manner that he generally is in control of the situation.  

N'Koulou may not be as athletic as Dante or Willy Boly, but the Marseille centre-back positions himself wonderfully to minimise the chance of being caught out of position.

N'Koulou wants to stay with Marseille for now. Once Barça come calling, would he change his stance? Probably.  

1. Daniel Agger, Liverpool, Age: 27

Having YNWA tattooed (you’ll never walk alone) on his knuckles, Daniel Agger has made it clear that his immediate future is with Liverpool.

However, he has admitted that only Barcelona could test his loyalty.

Due to the allure of playing for Barça, the club have been successful in signing highly touted defenders at significant transfer fees: Dani Alves, Dmytro Chygrynskiy, Gabriel Milito, Philippe Christanval, Martín Cáceres, Éric Abidal and Jordi Alba.

If Barcelona signs Agger, they run the risk of having a Milito 2.0 situation. The Dane has suffered a broken foot, broken ribs, knee tendon problems and calf issues before a back injury left him contemplating about retirement.  

Agger is majestic when he carries the ball out of defence. When he’s fully fit, he is an elite defender. He would be a prototypical Barça centre-back, but would they be willing to take such a substantial risk on him?

Please read Best Bundesliga Summer Signings

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Statistics courtesy of WhoScored.com