Arsenal transfer news: David Luiz skips Chelsea training in bid to force move to the Emirates

Arsenal are interested in the Brazilian centre-back following the departure of experienced defender Laurent Koscielny

David Luiz skipped Chelsea training on Wednesday as he attempts to force through a late move to Arsenal.

Arsenal are interested in the Brazilian centre-back following the departure of experienced defender Laurent Koscielny this week, although a formal bid is yet to be submitted.

Luiz, 32, is desperate to make the move across London to Chelsea’s Premier League rivals, despite having signed a new two-year contract with the Blues in May.

The defender worked with Arsenal manager Unai Emery during their time together at Paris Saint-Germain and is keen on a reunion.

The Independent understands Chelsea are open to the possibility of a cross-city switch, with manager Frank Lampard willing to sanction the move following a series of recent fall-outs concerning the player.

Luiz had spoken highly of Lampard following his appointment as manager earlier this summer, saying it was “fantastic” to see former club legends returning to Stamford Bridge.

“It’s great to see him here,” said Luiz. “He’s someone who knows what it means to be at Chelsea and understands the DNA of this club.

“We are working well so far, everyone is getting along and the sessions have been great.

“Lamps, or should I say ‘Gaffer’, is now our leader and he’s going to try to do everything he can like he did when he was a player, and now it’s up to us to help him build the spirit and the philosophy around the club to be successful.”

Lampard now seems set to deploy Kurt Zouma and Andreas Christensen as his starting centre-back pairing, the two men having lined up alongside one another in Chelsea’s final pre-season friendly against Borussia Monchengladbach.

Arsenal will consider their options in the closing 24 hours of the transfer window, with the club hierarchy still attempting to push through a deal for Celtic’s Kieran Tierney.