The Premier League’s two most wealthy clubs, Manchester City and Chelsea, look set to butt heads over several transfer targets this summer, and it appears as though Brazilian defender David Luiz is one of them. The 23-year-old, who is on the books of Portuguese champions Benfica, impressed greatly throughout the course of the 2009/10 season, and is attracting admiring glances from all over Europe. Recently named as Portuguese Player of the Year, it seems as though Luiz’s days in Lisbon are numbered as some of Europe’s giants look to bolster their backlines.
Luiz started his career at Brazilian side Vitória, where he made his debut aged just 16. The 23-year-old impressed during his two years at the Bahia-based side, prompting a move to Benfica in January 2007. The Brazilian has come on in leaps and bounds at Benfica, with his pace, strength and technical ability helping to establish Luiz as one of the best young defenders in Europe.
After featuring intermittently during his first two seasons at the capital club, Luiz became an integral member of Benfica’s line-up during the last two seasons. Luiz was an ever-present during Benfica’s league and cup double-winning campaign of 2009/10, appearing in all 49 of the sides’s matches. In addition to his aforementioned abilities, Luiz has garnered acclaim for his versatility, with the Brazilian equally as accomplished at both left-back and centre-back.
Although Luiz has yet to appear for the senior national team, he has appeared with distinction for Brazil’s U-20 side, turning out 24 times.
It is rumoured that Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has earmarked Luiz as the man to add much-needed youth to the heart of the Blues defence. His Manchester City counterpart Roberto Mancini, undoubtedly disappointed by the form of the likes of Kolo Toure and Joleon Lescott, is also thought to be eager to secure the services of the 23-year-old. Contracted to Benfica until 2015, the Lisbon side are expected to hold out for the £40m transfer fee stipulated in the defender’s buy-out clause. It remains to be seen whether or not messrs Ancelotti and Mancini would be willing to pay this much to secure the young Brazilian’s services.
Where do you think David Luiz will end up this summer?
Fonte: http://www.footballfancast.com/football-blogs/premier-leagues-most-wanted-david-luiz
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