Chelsea defender David Luiz has been linked with a surprise move to London rivals Arsenal after failing to report to training at the Cobham training base.

The Brazil international only signed a fresh two-year deal with the Blues earlier this summer but a report from L'Equipe has claimed that he is aiming to force through a move to the Gunners before Thursday's 5pm transfer deadline.

Luiz was a regular under new boss Frank Lampard during pre-season but the final friendly game against Borussia Monchengladbach gave an indication that Kurt Zouma and Andreas Christensen may be the preferred choices for the central defensive roles.

That may be the prime reason behind him pushing through a departure from the Blues but it remains to be seen whether the club are willing to sanction his sale amid the ongoing transfer ban.

Should Luiz part ways with the club, Lampard could find himself with just one back-up central defender in the form of Fikayo Tomori, given Antonio Rudiger is still injured. Cesar Azpilicueta has, however, played in a back three in the past.