Chelsea move closer to Luiz signing

Chelsea have moved closer to securing the signing of Benfica’s David Luiz after offering £26 million for the Brazilian. The bid, which the Portuguese side have notified the country’s stock exchange about, is a marked improvement on the £17 million bid that was reportedly rejected at the end of last year.

However the deal may still slip away from Chelsea with the English transfer window shutting at the end of the week. Benfica released a statement acknowledging Chelsea’s bid, but refused to confirm how far along the deal was. It said: “We have received an offer from Chelsea Football Club for the acquisition of the sporting and economic rights of David Luiz.”

"A negotiation process between both parties is on-going and the market will be informed when it is completed."

Brazilian international Luiz is a central defender who is equally adept at playing on the right hand side of defence, and Ancelotti will see him as the ideal partner for Captain John Terry, a position they have struggled to fill since the departure of Ricardo Carvalho last year. Terry has struggled with injury this season and Ancelotti has been prompted to bolster his defensive line.

Ancelotti is confident the transfer will be completed in time but believes he has enough quality in his squad should the transfer fall through.

“He is the only signing we are trying to make but if it's not possible, nothing changes. He's a very good young player but we have not agreed anything.” The Chelsea boss said.

The West-London side have struggled so far this season, but an emphatic 4-0 win over Bolton on Monday put the Blues back on track.