Rumour: David Luiz could leave Chelsea with Barcelona and Galatasaray interested

David Luiz

Chelsea are closing in on their third signing of the January transfer window after agreeing a £12.4 million fee with Saint-Etienne for Kurt Zouma, putting the future of David Luiz into doubt, according to the London Evening Standard.

Jose Mourinho has been looking at the French Under-21 defender all season and the transfer was bound to happen at some point as all parties were happy to proceed with negotiations.

The 19-year-old is expected to stay at the French club for the rest of the season before coming to Stamford Bridge in the summer on a five-year contract.

His reported impending arrival will increase speculation over the long-term future of Brazil international David Luiz, as well as captain John Terry, to some extent.

Luiz is no longer first-choice central defender and has played a partial role in Chelsea’s Premier League campaign thus far, while Terry’s contract with Chelsea expires in the summer.

Barcelona have been said to hold an interest in Luiz and Galatasaray are looking into the possibility of bring Terry to Turkey next season.

Chelsea will only offer a 12-month deal as part of their strict policy regarding players over the age of 30, but the former England international wants longer than that.

Zouma has won 36 headed duels in just 12 Ligue 1 matches this season.