Douglas Luiz is the new name ringing around Stamford Bridge after news broke of Chelsea’s interest in the midfielder.
A central midfielder was lower down the priority list at Chelsea until news came out that Dario Essugo and Romeo Lavia have no timelines on their returns.
Now the attention has turned to Nottingham Forest midfielder Douglas Luiz, who is currently on loan from Italian giants Juventus.
Where does Douglas Luiz fit in at Chelsea?🤔
It would be a temporary deal…
Douglas Luiz's display for Nottingham Forest
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Chelsea are looking to sign Luiz on a temporary deal until the end of the season, which allows them time to assess the Brazilian and see the return of their injured stars.
However, it remains to be seen as to exactly what any potential deal will look like.
Chelsea won’t entertain an obligation to buy Douglas Luiz
Douglas Luiz is due to stay on loan at the City Ground until the end of the season, but Chelsea are in the mood to hijack the loan and bring him to Stamford Bridge.
However, it’s not as simple as many may think.
According to Fabrizio Romano via his YouTube channel, Chelsea do not want to sign Douglas Luiz with an obligation to buy.
“Chelsea doesn’t want any obligation to buy Douglas Luiz. Only a loan deal with eventually a buy option.”
DECISION TIME: If Liam Rosenior gets to pick one midfielder signing this month, who should it be?💰
Have we missed anyone…
Chelsea midfielder targets
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A smart move from Chelsea
Douglas Luiz just hasn’t been the same since he left Aston Villa to join Juventus.
The Brazilian was one of the best midfielders in the Premier League at one point, so we know he can cut it, but it remains to be seen as to whether he can get back to that same level.
Signing him with an option to buy is the only way Chelsea can tackle this. It would allow them to properly assess Luiz without feeling the pressure of having to play him to make the most of the obligation.
Chelsea have high hopes for both Lavia and Essugo, so this is pretty much just a stopgap.
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