David Luiz wants to leave Chelsea this summer and was absent from first team training on Wednesday, amid interest from Arsenal.
The Blues have denied reports that Luiz refused to train, but Standard Sport understands that the Brazilian hopes to quit Stamford Bridge over fears about his playing time under new boss Frank Lampard.
The 32-year-old was an unused substitute in Chelsea’s final preseason game, the 2-2 draw with Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday.
Arsenal are known to be in the market for a centre back, following the departure of club captain Laurent Koscielny to Bordeaux.
Deals for Juventus centre-half Daniele Rugani and RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano have so far failed to materialise, and the Gunners are keen to find out Chelsea’s stance on Luiz, though no formal bid has yet been made.
Any move would see Luiz reunited with Arsenal boss Unai Emery, who he worked under during his time in France with PSG.
