Chelsea Transfer Rumours: Blues Must Keep David Luiz at Stamford Bridge

It's no secret that Barcelona needs to improve at centre-back this summer. It's also no secret that David Luiz had an excellent season for Chelsea and his value on the market has never been higher. 

Which means it's no surprise that Barcelona appears to have interest in the Brazilian defender. Interest Chelsea should swiftly and decidedly turn aside. 

From Duncan McMath of ESPN:

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Barcelona could turn their attention to Chelsea defender David Luiz should the transfer of Thiago Silva from PSG break down, according to Spanish paper El Mundo Deportivo.

Tito Vilanova has long been an admirer of Thiago and tried to sign him last summer. However, with PSG seemingly unwilling to sell the 28-year-old, whom they bought from AC Milan a year ago, the deal could be difficult, and PSG coach Laurent Blanc has said he is confident the player will stay.

Should that be the case, Vilanova has already identified Silva’s Brazilian compatriot Luiz as his plan B. Both players lined up at centre-back for Brazil at the Confederations Cup and played key roles as the Selecao lifted the trophy.

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Luiz is a very intriguing player. He may be the most athletic centre-back in the world, combining excellent pace with plus size and a good deal of skill. He's solid in the air, uses his athleticism to recover when he's caught out of position and has much greater range than the average centre-back.

Plus, he's become one of the deadliest long free-kick takers in the world and has the technical ability to play a defensive midfielder role when called upon to do so. Not many central defenders can always be turned into offensive weapons, but Luiz has those capabilities.

He's good for a few wonder strikers per season.

Given his versatility, it would be a major mistake for Chelsea to let him go. Yes, he sometimes gets himself out of position and isn't always the most tactically sound player. At times, a bit of flair and desire to press up the pitch causes him to sacrifice his defensive duties. 

And yeah, he'd return a pretty penny for new manager Jose Mourinho. 

But where else will Chelsea find a player with his unique abilities? How will they replace him in defense? Why give up on a guy whose best years are ahead of him—and could be ahead of him at a different position in the midfield?

The Blues should be trying to bring in players to compete for a title this season, not get rid of compelling players. If I were Mourinho, I'd want to see how Chelsea's key players from a year ago reacted to a new system before thinking about selling them.

Juan Mata? Too good to move. Keep him around. Fernando Torres? He had his chances to prove his worth and has failed to do so. Let him go. Luiz? Too multifaceted a player to move this summer. He can help this team in multiple ways.

Unless Barcelona makes Chelsea an offer the Blues absolutely can't refuse, I expect Luiz will be playing his football at Stamford Bridge next season.

And that's the way it should be.