Chelsea defender David Luiz has gone on strike in an attempt to force through a shock move to Arsenal.
The Brazilian centre-half did not turn up for training on Wednesday after becoming aware of interest from the Gunners.
Luiz has decided he wants to move to the Emirates Stadium ahead of Thursday’s deadline and has skipped the session with his team-mates in a bid to force a move across the capital.
Sportsmail understands Luiz has been a disruptive influence at Chelsea’s Cobham HQ in recent days, culminating in Wednesday’s no show.
Arsenal are yet to make a formal offer for Luiz, but that is expected imminently.
The Brazil international made 50 appearances in all competitions last campaign for the Blues.
Luiz returned to Stamford Bridge in 2016 after he was signed for £34million from Paris Saint-Germain.
He first joined Chelsea from Benfica for £21.3m in January 2011 before leaving to join PSG for £40m in 2014.
Luiz has won the Champions League, the Premier League, the FA Cup twice and the Europa League twice during two different spells in west London.
The Brazilian’s agent Kia Joorabchian, recently helped install Edu as Arsenal’s new technical director.
Having let go of Laurent Koscielny earlier this week, Luiz is seen as a possible replacement.
The Blues could not replace Luiz as they are currently under a transfer ban.
Frank Lampard’s current set of centre-backs apart from Luiz include Andreas Christensen, Kurt Zouma, Antonio Rudiger and youngster Fikayo Tomori.
Cesar Azpilicueta and Reece James have deputised at centre-half in previous years.
The west London club released Gary Cahill earlier in the summer and has now joined Crystal Palace for free.
Source: DailyMail
