Benfica's Brazilian defensive star David Luiz has long been a transfer target for some of Europe's top clubs, and Chelsea's injury crisis has compelled them to make a move now before they have to compete with other sides during the summer transfer window. After three failed bids for Luiz, reports from England suggest that the Blues have struck gold with their fourth, and that the centre back is now on his way to England for a medical and work permit hearing and could officially join the team within the next few days:
David Luiz Set to Join Chelsea on £21.5M Deal
Luiz, who was omitted from the Benfica side that beat Nacional 4-2 on Saturday night, will travel to London for a medical and, all being well, could be confirmed as a Chelsea player tomorrow subject to the work permit being granted.
-Guardian.
Although the £21.5M transfer isn't quite finalised, with a few negotiations left regarding a loanee (probably Dutch prospect Jeffrey Bruma) moving to Portugal for the rest of the season to cover Luiz's absence, it sounds like this is very close to completion. Manchester City were also rumoured to be in hot pursuit of the defender, but it looks like now they'll be forced to chase other targets. £21.5M is the most Chelsea have spent on one player since the ill-fated transfer of Andriy Shevchenko from AC Milan several years ago.
For more on Chelsea’s transfer dealings, visit We Ain’t Got No History.
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