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The Sun reports that Chelsea’s star defender has fallen out with manager Antonio Conte and, despite the Italian insisting that everything is fine, Luiz very rarely features in the manager's side.
Despite reinventing the role of the sweeper and helping the Blues win the Premier League title last season, the Brazilian has fallen way down the pecking order and is struggling for game time.
Luiz is amongst a rare breed of defenders in the Premier League. He is very comfortable in possession and can drive forward with purpose. With excellent dead ball skills and laser-sharp long-range passing, he can be a weapon for any side.
As Luiz' time at Stamford Bridge is seemingly coming to an end, we take a look at 5 clubs, where he could potentially end up at.
#5 Juventus
Since the departure of Leonardo Bonucci, the Bianconeri have lacked a strong defender who can play out of defence. With Barzagli turning 37 this year and Allegri's lack of faith in Daniele Rugani, the Brazilian defender could inject some much-needed artillery in their defense.
According to the Daily Mail, Juventus are looking to add Luiz to reinforce their back line to ensure that Napoli does not surge too far ahead in the title race. With Luiz playing in the center, Allegri could switch to his favored three-at-the-back system and bench Lichtsteiner, who has proven to be a defensive liability.
With Alex Sandro looking to go in the other direction, this deal makes sense not only from a footballing perspective but also from a financial point of view.
#4 Arsenal
Arsenal is currently going through a defensive crisis and Wenger has been forced to play the likes of Holding and Chambers in important Premier League clashes. Wenger obviously doesn’t rate Mertesacker at all and desperately needs someone to lead the back line through these turbulent times.
Few would fit the profile than the veteran David Luiz, who could provide much-needed experience at the heart of defense and aid their build-up play. The Brazilian could also fall right into his comfort zone, at the centre of the back three.
Reports from The Express suggested that Arsenal were plotting a move for Luiz in December and they may follow up their interest in the last few days of the transfer window. Luiz can at least provide a temporary solution in January and help the Gunners finish in the top four.
However it remains to be seen, whether Chelsea would let the Brazilian join their local rivals, as they are also competing for a top four spot.
#3 FC Barcelona
A side which has traditionally preferred playing out from the back and possession-based play could use Luiz’ ability on the ball and his physical strength in defense. Luiz has the skill to contribute not only to defensive set-piece situations but also while attacking set pieces.
The Daily Star has reported that Chelsea themselves may have offered Luiz to Barcelona. However, the Catalans are put off by Luiz' high salary.
Any team that commands as much possession as Barcelona requires its defenders to have exceptional passing range, calmness and tranquility. The veteran center back could ease the pressure on Samuel Umtiti and Gerard Pique and provide a decent link between the defence and midfield.
As an experienced player, he could also help Umtiti and new signing Yerry Mina blossom into top La Liga defenders. Young defender Yerry Mina, signed from Palmeiras hasn't experienced what it takes to play at the top level and will take some time to settle and learn.
On a technical and tactical level both Umtiti and Mina could learn a lot from the veteran defender Luiz who has played for several elite clubs throughout his career.
Luiz wouldn’t regularly start at Barcelona but could still prove to be a good back up to Umtiti and Pique at the very least, especially with the departure of veteran Mascherano. Luiz could help hold the fort should an injury crisis strike the team.
On the other hand, the Brazilian's main issue is lack of game time and it is unlikely he would get to play more football in Barcelona than he does in London
#2 Manchester United
The Red Devils boast the best defensive record in the league but it is reasonable to say that their backs up options of Victor Lindelöf and Marcos Rojo are not what Mourinho would call trustworthy.
Additionally, United also play a back three in some matches, which makes David Luiz the perfect candidate given that he has made the sweeper role his own. Manchester Evening News suggests that the United boss is looking to strengthen his squad by signing Luiz on loan this month.
Mourinho is known to have played defenders in midfield to combat the attacking threats of the opposition. For example Pepe at Real Madrid against Barcelona and also David Luiz himself at Chelsea against Arsenal in 2013.
Luiz is the perfect player to fit this role, as he could be slotted into midfield to stifle the opponent’s attack and deliver clean sheets in important away games. Admittedly, Mourinho sent Luiz packing to PSG, but stranger things have happened in football and Luiz could be welcomed with open arms.
#1 Real Madrid
Real Madrid is currently fourth in the Spanish league and is struggling to replicate the form that they previously enjoyed under Zidane.
With multiple defeats, Zidane has had to rethink his attacking strategy and needs to find a way of stabilizing his defense. Adding Luiz could help Madrid play out from the back and the experienced defender could also be a top backup to the injured Sergio Ramos. The Brazilian can bring some much-needed character back into the side with his personality and spirit.
The experienced defender can also help Zidane sort out his defence and bring something new to the side with his long-range passing ability which could be lethal with likes of Ronaldo and Bale on the team.
The Express reports that Madrid is willing to buy Luiz, but only in the summer. However, their recent struggles and most notably their exit from the Copa del Rey, may make the Galacticos reconsider.
