Chelsea Transfer Rumors: Why the Blues Need to Hang on to David Luiz

In his two-plus years with Chelsea, David Luiz has become one of the world's most wanted central defenders. 

Despite his sometimes foolish decision-making, enigmatic play and silly challenges, the 26-year-old Brazilian has made some of the world's biggest football giants come calling for his services. 

On Sunday, the Daily Mail's Matt Barlow linked Luiz with Bundesliga giants and European champions Bayern Munich. However, ESPN FC has since reported that Munich boss Pep Guardiola has dismissed speculation of Luiz playing his football in Germany this season.

"He's not coming to Munich. We've got four or five central defenders. There is no truth to the speculation," Guardiola said. 

While Luiz will most likely not be moving to Munich any time soon, world powers Barcelona have also now become interested in Luiz's services. According to El Mundo Deportivo (h/t ESPN), Barcelona will sign a center back at some point this summer and the club has made Luiz its top target.  

Despite a recent report by The Independent's Sam Wallace stating that Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has assured Luiz he will not be sold this summer, speculation continues over where the Brazilian will be playing his football next season. 

If the Blues are smart, then they would follow Mourinho's command. 

Luiz is currently one of only three, maybe four capable center backs on Chelsea's squad. Luiz joins Gary Cahill, John Terry and maybe Branislav Ivanovic as the only men able to fill that position on the back line.

Based on numbers alone, that is a reason in itself for Luiz to stay at Stamford Bridge this season. 

However, Chelsea's need for Luiz goes much beyond a numbers game. 

After struggling early in his Chelsea career, Luiz enjoyed a sublime campaign in 2012-13, helping Chelsea to a top-four finish in the English Premier League and the club's first ever Europa League title. 

Luiz was by far Chelsea's most consistent defender throughout the second half of last season. Having played in all of the club's biggest matches in its various competitions, Luiz showed not only his defensive abilities, but his ability to contribute offensively. 

The Brazilian continued his great form with his national team this summer, helping lead Brazil to a Confederations Cup trophy.

By far the best defender for the Brazilians throughout the course of the tournament, Luiz seemed to break through on the international stage this summer, only helping his stock at the club level. 

One of the more fantastic moments of the tournament came in the final, when Luiz kept Brazil in front by making a goal-line clearance. 

However, the most important reason why Chelsea and Mourinho should hold on to Luiz is his versatility. 

Not only can Luiz fill in one of the center back spots along the back line, he can also fill in one of the pivot roles that Mourinho will likely use in his formation with Chelsea this season. 

Most likely deploying a 4-2-3-1 formation, Mourinho may ask Luiz to fill in one of those two defensive midfield roles, playing right in front of the back four. 

Having played in that midfield role a few times during the course of last season, Luiz has proven that he is more than capable in that position when called upon. In fact, some of Luiz's best performances of the season came in that role. 

Playing alongside the likes of a Ramires or even Frank Lampard in that role will allow those two to do what they do best: go forward.

Despite Luiz's flair and offensive ability, there is no doubting that he is best when staying back and allowing his fellow midfielders to join the attack. 

While Luiz has sometimes felt the frustration of Chelsea fans around West London, I don't think anybody around Stamford Bridge can doubt his importance to the club. 

For that reason, it's absolutely vital that Chelsea not fall into the trap of Barcelona's wallets and hang on to the Brazilian defender.