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There is no doubt that the 31-year old has been one of the most important defenders for the Blues. Winning the Premier League, the Champions League, the FA Cup, and multiple other tiles, it would be safe to say that he has played an important role in order to develop Chelsea's legacy in the last decade.
A quick, strong and tactically aware centre-back, his athleticism even at the age of 31 is something that we as football fans are shocked to see. Luiz is surely one of the best centre-backs the world has seen recently.
However, there will definitely be a time when the Brazilian centre-half will have to hang his boots and allow other stars to take his place. 5 such players hold the possibility to properly replace the centre-back efficiently, pairing with his fellow teammate Antonio Rudiger.
#5 Malang Sarr - Nice
Sarr is often considered as one of the best young talents in the world and has been pursued by the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester City. Strong, powerful and an extremely pacy centre-back, Sarr can also be deployed as a left-back and can intercept plays quite easily. At the age of 19, he has already shown what he is truly capable of by dismantling some of the most powerful attacking teams in Ligue 1 and is also an extremely important player for his side.
The Frenchmen can be a perfect replacement for the Brazilian, as he holds similar qualities and traits. He can also be seen as a long-term replacement for Luiz, as he has a lot of years left in his career. In addition, the Frenchmen has already been under the radar of the Blues and can easily head to the Stamford Bridge.
#4 Jose Maria Gimenez - Atletico Madrid
The Uruguayan defender has been a sensation ever since he became the first-choice centre-back for Atletico Madrid. Forming an extremely strong bond with his fellow national and club teammate Diego Godin, Gimenez has put his name amongst some of the best defenders in the world.
The £45million rated defender is an extremely powerful and aggressive footballer, who can be a perfect replacement for Luiz. His aggression as a football player, pace and an extremely impressive work rate can really help the Blues.
Although it would be an extremely difficult choice for Atletico to let go of their most important centre-back for the future, Chelsea are known for breaking transfer records every single season, as they did in the case of Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Gimenez could be offered a record-breaking deal and he could easily be heading to the Stamford Bridge. Gimenez, albeit has been linked with multiple clubs like Bayern Munich and Manchester United.
#3 Milan Skriniar - Internazionale
The 23-year-old Slovak defender has attracted the attention of some of the biggest names in football such as Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Manchester City. There is no doubt that he is easily one of the most important footballers for Inter Milan, and that it would take a lot to have a glimpse of his signature.
The £45 million-valued centre-back has had an extremely impressive season with his team, as his expertise has outshined multiple clubs in the Serie A. A quick, agile and a technically gifted defender, Skriniar has a lot to offer. His tall stature has helped him win some of the most important headers from corners and crosses, and can surely do the same if he joins Chelsea.
Skriniar could surely be a great replacement for Luiz in the long-term. His current form and his myriad skillset could be some good news for Maurizio Sarri if the Slovak joins the Blues.
#2 Matthijs de Ligt - Ajax
With Barcelona already making their moves in order to secure the Dutchmen's signature, de Ligt has been linked with the Blaugrana for an extremely long time. The young centre-back is known particularly for his pace and hard-hitting tackles from any defensive position. The €50 million defender can be of some use to Maurizio Sarri in the future, as pace and consistency as a defender are what de Ligt truly offers.
At just 19 years old, he can be a long-term replacement for Luiz and can take his place offering utmost efficiency as a defender. One of the key factors here is that the Ajax star is already linked to some of the most prestigious clubs in Europe and can possibly move somewhere else. However, Chelsea will have to step up and offer an extremely hefty sum in order to secure his signature.
#1 Jonathan Tah - Bayer Leverkusen
Tah is easily one of the best young centre-backs in the world, as his combination of pace and power is something that is extremely rare to see from a defender.
The German International has been linked with a move to Real Madrid as a future replacement for Los Blancos defender Sergio Ramos. Tah's excellence as a leader and as a hard-hitting defender is a trait that can perfectly replace Luiz in his particular position.
Tah is also known for his leadership qualities and was also ranked as one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga.
Having a profile like none other, the 22-year-old is already linked to clubs like Barcelona and Bayern Munich, but it would be extremely important for Maurizio Sarri to secure the German defender at the earliest. With his introduction to the Stamford Bridge, he can form an abominable duo with his fellow national teammate Antonio Rudiger.
