da supremo： According to reports in the Daily Express, Arsenal are lining up a £30m January move for out of favour Chelsea centre-back David Luiz.
What’s the word, then?
da prosport bet： Well, the Daily Express says the Gunners manager Arsene Wenger is looking to strengthen his leaky defence in the New Year, with Luiz moving to the top of his list of potential targets as he can play in central defence and as a defensive midfielder.
The Daily Express says that the 30-year-old’s future with the Premier League holders is in doubt after he fell out with Antonio Conte following the 3-0 defeat against Roma in the Champions League in October.
The Brazilian was then omitted from the squad that faced Manchester United and has only played once since then, with a knee injury keeping him on the sidelines and Andreas Christensen impressing in his absence.
How has Luiz done this season?
The centre-back certainly hasn’t hit the heights that he did in Chelsea’s Premier League winning campaign last time out, and things haven’t been great since the opening day 3-2 defeat to Burnley at Stamford Bridge.
The 30-year-old then saw red in the goalless draw against Arsenal in September, while he was also part of the defence that gave Crystal Palace their first points of the season in October.
The Daily Express says the player is now close to full fitness so it will be interesting to see what happens over the festive period.
Would he be a good signing for Arsenal?
While there is no doubt of the quality and versatility he can bring at times, there are still plenty on question marks over his defensive ability and his consistency – especially this season.
Nevertheless, the 30-year-old is generally decent in possession, loves a battle and with the 2018 World Cup only six months away he certainly would have a big point to prove in the second-half of the campaign.
Will a move happen?
It’s difficult to say.
While Conte may want to sell Luiz following their disagreement, it remains to be seen whether he would be willing to sell the Brazilian to a direct Premier League rival.
A £30m offer could be too tempting to turn down, however.