Chelsea rocked as Luiz 'tells Mourinho he wants to quit for Barcelona'

David Luiz has dropped a transfer bombshell on Jose Mourinho just a week before the season starts, telling the Chelsea manager he wants to quit for Barcelona, according to reports in Spain.

The Brazil centre half is top of new Barca boss Gerardo Martino summer shopping list as he bids to reposition the Catalan giants at the summit of European football.

Luiz, who has been at Chelsea for two-and-a-half years, has overcome initial concerns about his ability following the £25million move to Stamford Bridge from Benfica, becoming one of the Premier League's best defenders.

Internationally, he has excelled alongside Thiago Silva, who earlier this summer turned down a move to the Nou Camp.

New Blues boss Mourinho has previously questioned some elements of Luiz's game, but has been unequivicol in his stance that the 26-year-old would not be sold this summer.

Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo claimed on Tuesday that Barcelona's initial bid of £25m was laughed out of the room by Chelsea, though the firm interest was enough for the player to inform the English club he wanted to leave.

Luiz's stance has encouraged Barca, who are now prepared to raise their offer to around £31m. That, however, falls £12m short of Chelsea's minimum expectation.

Brazil team-mate Dani Alves has added his voice to the campaign to sign the player, though the full back admits he can't see Mourinho letting go easily. - DailyMail




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