Barcelona Transfer Rumours: Club Must Make Heavy Push for David Luiz

Barcelona has already made one of the biggest splashes of the summer, landing Neymar. And while that addition will make the Catalans' attack more fearsome, it didn't address the primary weakness of the team last season.

Its defense. 

But with a recent rumour surfacing that Barcelona could be making a move for Chelsea centre-back David Luiz that might be about to change. 

From Wayne Veysey of Goal.com:

"

Barcelona have stepped up their search for a defender by making a £25 million move for Chelsea’s David Luiz, Goal understands. The Catalan giants are preparing a bid for the Brazilian after making him their primary centre-back target.

It is believed that Barca have enquired about Luiz’s availability and have been given encouragement that Chelsea could be willing to sell the 26-year-old.

The Spanish champions, who have been rebuffed in their attempts to sign the Brazil international in the past, are putting together a lucrative package to entice the Brazilian to Camp Nou and informal discussions have already started with his representatives.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is unconvinced about Luiz’s defensive abilities and is ready to cash in on the defender and sign a new centre-half, with Doria, an 18-year-old Brazilian who plays for Botafogo, among those on his target list.

"

Yes, Luiz's positioning and pure defending have come into question at times. He's not, shall we say, the most traditional centre-back. But his virtues far outweigh his weaknesses. 

For one, he's very athletic for a man his size, able to cover ground quickly or leap above the pack to clear a ball out of danger. And he's not limited to playing centre-back, as he's also rangy and technical enough to slide into a defensive midfielder role. 

Plus, his proficiency and power from distance on long free kicks make him a weapon in that regard, as does his height on corners when he's jostling for position in the box. He's one of the rare centre-backs who can fluidly join the attack and threaten to put the ball in the net from range when given the chance.

The concern for some Barcelona fans might be that Luiz is a weapon but one that could leave the team vulnerable at the back when he pushes forward. That may be true against elite competition, but against most foes Barcelona faces, the club will be controlling possession and winning it back quickly when it does lose it, as is the style of the Catalans. 

Plus, he would pair nicely with Gerard Pique, who would cover for Luiz's ambitions going forward. And his addition, alongside fellow Brazilian Neymar, sure would make Barcelona that much more fun to watch. 

With the club seemingly out of the running for other elite centre-backs, Luiz is the next best option. He may not come for the cheapest price, but when a player has his unique skill set, he can't be expected to be a bargain, either. 

This is a logical move for the Catalans, and one they should seriously push to make.