Latest developments
- Chelsea have made a bid to sign Douglas Luiz.
- The Blues want the Juventus midfielder on loan.
- Manchester City have also been linked with Luiz.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (2.5/5): Italian journalist throws Chelsea's name in Luiz race
Chelsea have joined Manchester City in the race to sign Douglas Luiz. Juventus are ready to let their summer signing leave just six months after his arrival in Turin.
Italian journalist Fabiana Della Valle (via Standard) has revealed that the Blues want the midfielder on loan for the remainder of the season.
Value (3/5): Juventus want cash
Della Valle adds that Chelsea's loan offer has been turned down as the Old Lady's preference is to cash in on the player, who joined them from Aston Villa in a deal worth £42million.
However, it is suggested that Juve could be open to accepting a temporary exit during the final days of the winter transfer window.
Suitability (3.5/5): Used to Premier League's physicality
Luiz has already proven his mettle in the Premier League with Aston Villa, impressing with his physicality, ability to cover ground and composure in possession. His technical prowess would make him an important part of Enzo Maresca's possession-based style of football.
Upgrade? (3/5): Challenge for Fernandez and Lavia
Both Enzo Fernandez and Romeo Lavia compete for the defensive midfield role under Maresca. However, the pair has struggled to consistently impress and in recent days they have also endured muscle fatigue. Luiz would come in as a cover as well as providing quality competition to elevate the potential of Maresca's midfield.
Logic (2.5/5): Wait for City
Chelsea have shown a worrying tendency to sign players first and then figure out their development plan. Luiz has failed to play regularly in Turin and could find himself in a similar situation at Stamford Bridge once both Fernandez and Lavia are fit.
Whisper+ verdict: 14.5/25
Luiz has been strongly linked with a return to the Premier League but we're sceptical about this one, especially since there is a big Rodri-shaped hole in the Man City midfield that needs filling.
