Chelsea Transfer News: Blues Must Cash in Following David Luiz Transfer Request

This week saw Chelsea fans shaken by the news that David Luiz had allegedly requested to leave the club in light of Barcelona’s interest in his services.

That’s according to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo (h/t Daily Mail), who say that the defender is ready to leave Stamford Bridge for Catalonian pastures.

Regardless of the player’s wish, however, it’s still important that the Blues receive their intended fee for Luiz’s signature, which Goal suppose is in the region of £43 million.

In the interest of their 2013-14 prospects, a quick sale would be best for both parties, but Chelsea should be just as eager to sell even though they’re in the driving seat.

A wantaway player isn’t good for any squad and risks damaging the morale of any team, Luis Suarez at Liverpool or Carlos Tevez’s Manchester City ordeal being just two of the more recent examples.

Goal's Wayne Veysey has moved to back up the same reports via Twitter:

This rapid turnaround of quality in the Chelsea back line is especially pertinent as the side head into their upcoming campaign as favourites for the Premier League title.

Even with Luiz out of their ranks, the West London outfit would still boast three quality centre-backs, a healthy John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic being the first choices, while Gary Cahill could offer ample reinforcement.

However, with the potential of a huge windfall for Luiz, Mourinho could undoubtedly bring in another big name.

Of course it isn’t just in defence that the 26-year-old gives you a good option, but in defensive midfield as well, a trait that was on display last season as Rafa Benitez chose to field Luiz in a more-advanced role.

Irrespective of that success, though, Mourinho sees Luiz as a modern centre-back, capable of building from the back, per Sky Sports.

Should the young South American feel that his need to move forward is not being satiated, a move would be best for both club and player.

As respected as Luiz is as a top-class defender, parts of his game are lacking.

In 30 league appearances last season, the utility defender completed just 82% of his passes, indicating a tendency to waste possession for his side and showcasing the brash side of his playing personality.

This profligacy is again evident in the fact that the Brazilian was successful in just 10 of his 37 dribbling attempts, according to Squawka.

In La Liga, these sort of attributes might go down a storm. Crowds appreciate technical ability over defensive stability in Spain.

However, the Premier League is a far different domain and calls upon other priorities.

In the end, Barcelona may not even come to meet a fee for the defender that Chelsea deem acceptable, meaning the potential sale might become unimportant in the coming days.

But if Barca are willing to match the Blues’ valuation in good-enough time for Mourinho’s men to bring in a replacement, the English giants should call an end to Luiz’s Premier League tenure and allow him to go where his abilities might go down a little more smoothly.

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