Serie A holders Juventus have reportedly emerged as front-runners to pursue the services of David Luiz during the winter transfer window. The Brazil international has fallen out-of-favour under Chelsea boss Antonio Conte over the past month, and he is currently sidelined with a knee problem.
According to The Mirror, the centre-back faces an uncertain future with the reigning English champions after having failed to make a single league start since last month. Luiz is said to have questioned Conte’s approach following the 3-0 Champions League defeat to AS Roma in October, and this has led to a split in their relationship which the Italian has dismissed in front of the reporters.
Luiz has not featured in recent matchday squads due to an inflammation in his knee, and The Mirror suggests that he could secure a fresh challenge elsewhere in the New Year. As per the source, Juventus are leading the queue to recruit the former Paris Saint-Germain man, and a fee of around £23m could be sufficient to do business.
Max Allegri’s side are yet to find the perfect replacement for Leonardo Bonucci, who left for AC Milan in the summer, and Luiz appears to have emerged as the prime target owing to his ability to slot into the three-at-the-back formation whilst also being a ball-playing centre-back.
However, the Bianconeri may not have a clear route to the 30-year-old with Manchester United, managed by former Blues boss Jose Mourinho, considering a move for the Brazilian footballer. United are currently without the services of Eric Bailly due to a serious ankle injury, and Luiz has been highlighted as a probable target, although the club have sufficient backup in their ranks.
Should Luiz leave Stamford Bridge in January, he would be the second player after Diego Costa to have ended his association with the Blues courtesy of issues outside of the playing field with manager Antonio Conte.
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