Frank Lampard speaks on David Luiz's departure to Arsenal

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has clarified that David Luiz did not force through a move to Arsenal before Thursday's Premier League transfer deadline.

The Brazil international was a regular choice under Lampard during the course of pre-season, but he made the surprise choice to join the Gunners before the transfer window closed.

As such, it appeared that he had pushed through a departure by refusing to train, but Lampard has declined the suggestions by stating that the move went through with the good wishes of the Blues.

"There certainly wasn’t any strikes. I’ll make that clear straight away. And in terms of fall-outs, no, there weren’t. There were honest conversations," he was quoted as saying by The Mirror.

Luiz made close to 250 appearances for the Blues during a seven-year stay across two spells where he won one Premier League title, two FA Cups, two Europa Leagues crowns and the prestigious Champions League.

He has now linked up with Unai Emery's Arsenal, where he is expected to command a regular starting role at the heart of the defence. Luiz could make his debut against Newcastle United in the season opener.